Amazon reports that it has successfully completed the second satellite launch for its nascent Project Kuiper low Earth orbit (LEO) network, with another 27 spacecraft deployed to bring its total in orbit to 54.
The KA-02 mission lifted off on 23 June from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, using a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 551 rocket—the same launch vehicle used for the first Kuiper mission in April.
Following deployment into an initial 450 km orbit, the satellites are in the process of being raised to their final operational altitude of 630 km. Amazon’s US-based mission operations centre is managing the transition and satellite health checks.
The Kuiper programme ultimately aims to deliver satellite internet on a global basis, with over 3,200 satellites expected to be launched across more than 80 missions.
