Amazon completes final Atlas V flight, deploys 396 satellites for LEO broadband
AMZN•Amazon brought its total satellite constellation to 396 after a midnight Cape Canaveral launch delivered 29 additional units. The mission marked the final Atlas V flight under United Launch Alliance, positioning Amazon to roll out its Leo broadband service to challenge SpaceX’s Starlink later this year.
1. Cape Canaveral Launch Details
A United Launch Alliance rocket lifted off at midnight from Cape Canaveral, deploying 29 satellites into low Earth orbit to bring Amazon’s Project Kuiper constellation to 396 units. The successful mission increases orbital coverage and data throughput ahead of service activation.
2. Atlas V Contract Completion
This flight marked the final Atlas V launch under Amazon’s contract with United Launch Alliance. Future Kuiper launches will transition to a next-generation vehicle, reducing reliance on legacy rockets and potentially lowering per-satellite deployment costs.
3. Broadband Service Launch Plans
With its constellation threshold met, Amazon is set to begin rolling out its Leo broadband service before year-end. The company aims to offer global connectivity and compete directly with SpaceX’s Starlink network on pricing and performance.
