MUMBAI: Amazon's Project Kuiper is launching its first full batch of satellites into orbit. The "KA-01" mission, scheduled for no earlier than 12 pm EDT on Wednesday, 9 April  will deploy 27 satellites via a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.

The mission aims to establish a low-latency, high-speed internet service accessible globally. The first-generation satellite system will consist of over 3,200 low Earth orbit satellites. The KA-01 launch is a critical step in deploying this constellation.

The satellites deployed in the KA-01 mission feature improvements over previous prototypes, including enhanced phased array antennas, processors, solar arrays, propulsion systems, and optical inter-satellite links. A dielectric mirror film has been applied to the satellites to minimize reflected sunlight, addressing concerns from ground-based astronomers.

The satellite payload is the heaviest ever carried by a ULA Atlas V rocket, requiring the rocket to fly in its most powerful configuration with five solid rocket boosters. The payload fairing measures 77 feet (23.5 meters) in height and 16.4 feet (5 meters) in width.

Following launch and initial deployment by ULA, Kuiper's mission operations center in Redmond, Washington, will manage the constellation. The satellites will use electric propulsion to ascend to their operational orbit of 392 miles (630 km), traveling at speeds exceeding 17,000 miles per hour.

The mission's primary objective is to achieve safe satellite deployment and establish end-to-end network connectivity. Future launches, including seven more on the Atlas V and 38 on ULA's Vulcan Centaur, are planned to expand the constellation. Additional launches will occur with Arianespace, Blue Origin, and SpaceX.
Amazon plans to begin delivering Kuiper internet services to customers later this year. The company is currently hiring to support the project's development and deployment.