this post was submitted on 16 Jun 2025
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ULA to launch Atlas 5 rocket with 2nd batch of Project Kuiper satellites for Amazon (NET Jun 16) (spaceflightnow.com)
submitted 3 days ago by [email protected] to c/spaceflight
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[โ€“] threelonmusketeers 2 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

Amazon is up against a regulatory clock to get its satellites on orbit and in a functioning constellation. It has a requirement from its agreement with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to get at least half of its planned first-generation constellation of more than 3,200 satellites in operation by the end of July 2026.

They plan to launch at least 1,546 more satellites within the next year? Press X to doubt.

In addition to the remaining Atlas 5 rockets at its disposal, Amazon also purchased 38 Vulcan rockets, 18 Ariane 6 rockets, 12 New Glenn rockets (with the option to add another 15) and three Falcon 9 rockets from ULA, Arianespace, Blue Origin and SpaceX respectively.

Neither Vulcan, Ariane 6, or New Glenn currently have the necessary cadence. The remaining Atlas Vs won't be enough, and they only bought three Falcon 9s. Unless one or more of the new vehicles can unexpectedly ramp up their flight rate, I just don't see it happening. Could Amazon ask the FCC for an extension?

[โ€“] [email protected] 2 points 2 days ago

They must be planning to ask for an extension.

Their manifest on Wikipedia lists this for the rest of the year, with x sats on board each (I'm rounding up and assuming multiples of 9):

  • Atlas V, 27 (today)

  • Falcon 9, 27

  • Atlas V, 27

  • Vulcan, 45

  • Ariane 6, 36

And no planned New Glenn launch until next 2026. Other than the Vulcan, I could see those launches happening. There's just no way they hit the 50% mark next year. No way.