Amazon Delays Kuiper Internet Satellite Launch Over Bad Weather

On Wednesday night, bad weather caused Amazon to postpone the launch of its Kuiper internet satellite.

According to a webcast, a United Launch Alliance rocket carrying 27 Kuiper satellites was scheduled to take off from a launchpad in Cape Canaveral, Florida, however ULA stated it was unable to continue countdown operations because of “stubborn cumulus clouds” and strong winds that pushed the launch outside of its scheduled window.

According to ULA, “in the remaining launch window at Cape Canaveral this evening, weather is observed and forecast NO GO for liftoff.” The business stated that a new launch date will be announced later.

A constellation of Kuiper internet satellite in low Earth orbit—a area of space within 1,200 miles of the Earth’s surface—was announced by Amazon six years ago. By providing connections via square-shaped terminals, the company hopes to sell high-speed, low-latency internet to individuals, businesses, and governments. Later this year, commercial service will be available.

With 8,000 satellites already in orbit, SpaceX’s Starlink is the industry leader, and Amazon is vying for market share. Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, is now one of President Donald Trump’s top advisors and is in charge of the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. Starlink’s presence in the federal government has grown since Musk took the position.

Amazon has to get half of its constellation, or 1,618 satellites, in orbit by July 2026, according to a period set by the Federal Communications Commission.

Amazon plans to increase its production, processing, and deployment rates when its first launch is over. In preparation for its upcoming mission, which will also board one of ULA’s Atlas V rockets, it has started preparing satellites.