ULA launches third batch of Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellites from Cape Canaveral
The quest to bridge the global digital divide took another giant leap on September 25, 2025, when United Launch Alliance (ULA) launched 27 of Amazon’s Project Kuiper broadband satellites to orbit. The mission, part of Amazon’s ambitious project to deliver fast and reliable internet to customers worldwide, marked a significant milestone in the endeavor of creating a more connected world.
Just over an hour after sunrise, an Atlas 5 551 rocket, representing the most potent configuration of United Launch Alliance’s trusted spacecraft, burst to life at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The cargo for this mission included the next 27 satellites of Amazon’s Project Kuiper, destined for low Earth orbit (LEO). This marks the third batch of production satellites launched by ULA and the fifth overall for the burgeoning constellation.
Two minutes post-liftoff, the rocket jettisoned its five GEM 63 solid boosters, built by Northrop Grumman, continuing its upward ascent powered by the RD-180 engine. The 27 Project Kuiper satellites were then set on course to be deployed at an altitude of 280 miles (450 kilometers) above Earth. Following this, control was transferred to the Project Kuiper team at their 24/7 mission operations center in Redmond, Washington.
As the rocket propelled skyward, the deployment of satellites began roughly 20 minutes after launch, concluding about 15 minutes later. The team on the ground then started the process of confirming the health of the satellites and eventually raising them to their assigned orbit of 392 miles (630 km) above Earth. This successful operation means Amazon now has a total of 129 satellites in low Earth orbit, contributing to its fast-growing constellation of internet satellites.
The advance of Project Kuiper represents an exciting time for Amazon and its future users. The company recently announced Jet Blue as its first airline partner, with in-flight Kuiper internet service set to begin in 2027. This partnership demonstrates the project’s remarkable potential to enhance the internet experience for a broad range of users, from air travelers to remote and underserved communities worldwide.
Ricky Freeman, president of Project Kuiper Government Solutions, has stated that Amazon expects to have over 200 satellites in orbit by the end of 2025. Amazon also has additional launches lined up with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and more with ULA’s Atlas 5 rockets. This ambitious agenda, coupled with their existing 80 satellites at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center’s Payload Processing Facility, underscores Amazon’s commitment to reaching its goal of comprehensive global internet coverage.
Freeman also announced that by the end of the first quarter of 2026, service would be extended to Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. By 2027, Amazon aims to extend coverage to 57 countries and close to 100 countries before the end of 2028. This impressive roll-out plan signals a new era of global connectivity, marking a significant step towards reducing the digital divide and bringing reliable, fast internet access to corners of the world where it is most needed.