MISSION NAME
Project Kuiper Protoflight Mission (Atlas V #1)
Status
Success
DATE
6 OCT 2023
LAUNCH PROVIDER
United Launch Alliance
Launch Pad
Space Launch Complex 41
Description
This launch will launch 2 KuiperSat demonstration satellites to 500 km altitude, 30 degree inclination orbit. They were previously scheduled on the 1st Vulcan launch. Project Kuiper is a mega constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit that will offer broadband internet access, this constellation will be managed by Kuiper Systems LLC, a subsidiary of Amazon. This constellation is planned to be composed of 3,276 satellites. The satellites are projected to be placed in 98 orbital planes in three orbital layers, one at 590 km, 610 km and 630 km altitude.
Atlas V 501
Rocket Description
Atlas V with 5m Fairing, 0 SRB, 1 Centaur upper stage engine.