SpaceX Successfully Launches Amazon’s Project Kuiper Satellites After Multiple Delays

After facing one technical issue and a series of weather-related setbacks, SpaceX successfully launched Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellites on Monday morning from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

The Falcon 9 rocket carrying the KF-02 mission lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at 8:35 a.m. ET. This marked the maiden flight for the rocket’s first-stage booster, designated B1091. Following stage separation, the booster landed on the autonomous droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas, positioned in the Atlantic Ocean.

Multiple Delays Before Liftoff
The launch came after five separate attempts over several days. The KF-02 mission was initially scheduled for Thursday, but SpaceX delayed the flight to conduct additional inspections. That day’s launch window was pushed from 10:01 a.m. to 10:17 a.m. ET before ultimately being scrubbed.

A new launch was targeted for Friday at 9:40 a.m. ET, but weather concerns arose despite the 45th Weather Squadron’s earlier forecast of an 80% chance of favorable conditions for Thursday’s attempt. By Friday morning, the outlook had dropped to 40% due to cumulus cloud, anvil, and lightning risks. SpaceX did not publicly confirm the exact reason for Friday’s cancellation.

Attempts on Saturday and Sunday were also impacted by weather. On Sunday, a launch was halted at T-minus 30 seconds due to a “no-go condition on recovery” for the Falcon 9 booster, meaning unfavorable conditions in the Atlantic prevented a safe landing on the droneship.

About Project Kuiper KF-02
Amazon’s Project Kuiper aims to create a global broadband network through a constellation of satellites in low-Earth orbit. The KF-02 mission placed 24 satellites into an initial orbit of 289 miles (465 kilometers) above Earth. They will later move to their operational altitude of 392 miles (630 kilometers).

With this launch, the total number of Kuiper satellites in orbit rises from 78 to 102. Amazon’s long-term plan includes deploying more than 3,200 satellites to provide internet coverage to customers worldwide.