Amazon suffered a setback in its satellite ambitions because its highly anticipated launch to compete with Starlink was cancelled because of adverse weather conditions. The first satellite deployment under Project Kuiper became halted on April 10 because United Launch Alliance declared the Cape Canaveral launch site unsafe due to cumulus cloud formation and strong winds.
The Atlas V rocket carrying 27 Amazon satellites stayed on the launchpad throughout the designated launch period despite multiple launch opportunities. The launch operation was aborted by ULA because cumulus clouds presented a known lightning risk.
Project Kuiper represents Amazon’s satellite network which targets fast internet delivery to worldwide remote locations while competing against Elon Musk’s Starlink service. The satellite network of Project Kuiper will launch its service this year after Amazon deploys more than 3,200 satellites in low Earth orbit.
Amazon continues to stick to its schedule despite the delay because it has more than 80 upcoming launches scheduled with Blue Origin and ULA and SpaceX. The rising number of satellites in space creates two major threats according to experts: orbital congestion and interference with astronomical research activities.
Amazon’s satellite project faces multiple hurdles in its pursuit to enter the busy space internet competition.
