Weather Delays Amazon Kuiper Launch

Unfavorable weather conditions postponed the launch of Amazon’s first batch of low-Earth orbit satellites. Amazon’s partner, United Launch Alliance (ULA), said its Atlas V rocket was fuelled and ready, but weather issues prevented it from launching.

On abandoning efforts for the day, ULA said: “Weather is observed and forecast no go for lift-off within the remaining launch window this evening, according to launch weather officer Brian Belson”. Problems that beset the launch were a gathering of cumulus clouds and winds elevated above the safe lift-off limit.

In a brief statement, Amazon explained it would share a new launch date once it is available. When they eventually get off the ground, the 27 LEO birds will form part of a planned 3,200 satellites that are set to make up Amazon’s first Project Kuiper constellation.

In an update on the delayed project released last week, the tech giant noted there are more than 80 launches planned to deploy the constellation, with an expectation it will begin commercial services later in 2025. Amazon has already sent up a pair of prototype satellites and was expected to begin offering satellite internet to customers by the end of 2024.