CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION, FL – Spectators ringing the Space Coast enjoyed a spectacular sunrise liftoff courtesy of rocket maker United Launch Alliance (ULA) when they at last successfully launched their mighty Atlas V 551 rocket on the second attempt to launch Amazon’s second Project Kuiper mission of broadband internet satellites early morning on June 23 at 6:54 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
The just past sunrise liftoff took place under picture perfect weather conditions for the Kuiper 2 broadband internet satellites on the most powerful version of their venerable Atlas V rocket nicknamed “The Bruiser” from pad 41 at the opening of a 29 minute window.
The Kuiper broadband constellation of commercial internet comsats in LEO starts the setup of a new system for direct head-to-head competition with the already well-established SpaceX Starlink broadband satellite system.
“United Launch Alliance and Amazon Launch the Future of Global Connectivity, said ULA. “Atlas V precisely delivers second batch of operational broadband satellites for Amazon’s Project Kuiper constellation.”
The path to launch was cleared after ULA engineers repaired the booster engine issue in their powerful Atlas V 551 rocket that scrubbed the first attempt to launch Amazon’s second Project Kuiper mission on June 16 that was caused by a rare high temperature issue in the RD-180 engine compartment.
“We are proud to continue our strong partnership with Amazon and empower their mission to bridge the digital divide through reliable satellite technology,” said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. “ULA, working as a catalyst to global connectivity in collaboration with Amazon, enables delivery of these critical satellites designed to drive innovation and connect the world.”
The Kuiper 2 launch deployed the second batch of operational Project Kuiper satellites into the intended orbit.
There are six remaining Kuiper missions on the Atlas V rocket, building up to 38 high-cadence, rapid fire launches on the next-generation Vulcan rocket. ULA will deliver more than half of the Project Kuiper constellation’s 3,200 satellites, through the world’s largest commercial launch agreement.
Enjoy our prelaunch and launch viewing photos from the Space UpClose team of Ken Kremer and Jean Wright taken during several media remote camera setups at pad 41 and on the launch viewing days.
Ken Kremer interview about Kuiper 2
June 23/24 WFTV ABC Orlando: interview about ULA Amazon Kuiper 2 launch and mission
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