The previous plan for the launch of the first two Project Kuiper internet satellites was to use an ABL Space Systems rocket, but that plan is no longer in place.
The two prototype satellites would be launched by the end of the year 2022. The company announced on Wednesday that it will deploy two satellites on the debut flight of a rocket. In addition to the two Amazon satellites, the rocket will also carry a NASA-funded lander to the moon.
The project was supposed to fly in 2020 but has been delayed many times. The company said the two-stage rocket is close to completion and will be launched early next year. There were 38 flights aboard the heavy lift rocket that were booked by Amazon. According to Amazon, the company is not going to use its prototype satellites in the foreseeable future.
Jeff Bezos is the owner of Blue Origin, the company that built the BE-4 engines that power the first stage. Blue Origin appears to have delivered the flight engines that ULA has been waiting on.
The first Vulcan launch vehicle is nearing completion in ULA's factory in Decatur, Alabama and is awaiting installation of its BE-4 engines. The vehicle will be shipped to the site in November.
Amazon has booked 92 launches with Arianespace, Blue Origin, and ULA; these carriers are slated to deliver the company's project satellites to low Earth orbit within the next five years. The company did not include rocket rides with the company.
More than 3000 satellites will be launched by Amazon for the Project Kuiper constellation, while tens of thousands of satellites will be sent to space by SpaceX for Starlink. More than 3000 satellites have been launched by Musk's space venture with its Falcon 9 rocket. If Amazon wants to stay in the game, it needs to start flying its internet satellites soon, even though it is reluctant to launch its satellites with a rocket.
We can't wait for these futuristic rockets to blast off.
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