Amazon is another step closer to launching its satellite internet service, Project Kuiper. Amazon announced Monday that it has reached an agreement with United Launch Alliance (ULA) to use nine Atlas V vehicles for satellite deployment.
“We’re determined to make affordable broadband a reality for customers and communities around the world,” said Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and CEO. “ULA is a fantastic partner that’s successfully launched dozens of missions for commercial and government customers, and we’re grateful for their support of Kuiper.”
Amazon received FCC approval for a satellite internet network last summer. Project Kuiper will be made up of over 3200 satellites, with a goal of bringing high speed internet service to underserved areas, including rural areas of the US. The company made a $10 billion investment in the project and now has over 500 employees working on Project Kuiper.
“Project Kuiper is an ambitious project with the potential to connect tens of millions of people around the planet,” said Tory Bruno, president and CEO of ULA. “The scope and scale of the initiative will also provide an enormous boost to U.S. leadership in space, helping create jobs and providing steady, reliable demand for the launch services industry. We’re honored to have Amazon turn to ULA and Atlas V to support its deployment plans.”