United Launch Alliance plans to launch its Atlas V rocket tonight, April 9, from Florida, transporting a complete payload of satellites for a new Amazon initiative, and there’s a possibility New Jersey was able to witness it illuminating the nighttime skyline .
The inaugural deployment for Jeff Bezos' Project Kuiper aims to send 27 satellites into low-Earth orbit with the purpose of offering global internet access through a broadband network. This initiative is part of an ambitious plan involving a total of 3,232 broadband satellites orchestrated by Bezos. will compete for customers With the extensive Starlink network established by SpaceX founder Elon Musk.
The powerful Atlas V, featuring five auxiliary rockets attached to its sides, is scheduled for liftoff today from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida during a two-hour launch window. If you're looking to catch the launch from New Jersey, here’s where you could potentially observe it, as well as options for viewing from elsewhere or online.
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What is the scheduled launch time for the Atlas V from Florida?
The launch of ULA's Atlas V Kuiper 1 rocket is planned for sometime between 7-9 p.m. tonight from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, situated along Florida's eastern coastline.
This is where it is being launched from:
Is it possible for me to witness an Atlas V launch from New Jersey? From which cities would I be able to view an Atlas V rocket launch?
According to a map shared by ULA The Atlas V launch of Kuiper 1 will likely be observable along the East Coast as it travels northeastward into space after lifting off from Florida's eastern shoreline.
The visuals show the rocket coming into sight for much of New Jersey approximately 330 seconds (five and a half minutes) post-launch, provided the weather cooperates. Areas in South Jersey like Cape May might catch a glimpse even sooner, roughly 270 seconds (four and a half minutes) following liftoff.
Just a reminder that the launch window is open from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. today. Make sure to keep an eye on it. ULA's livestream or ULA's X page for updates.
Where can you view an Atlas V rocket launch online?
ULA will broadcast the event live. post on their YouTube channel Starting at 6:35 p.m., ULA has additionally been offering live updates on their platform. X social media page throughout the day.
What is Kuiper?
Amazon, led by tycoon Jeff Bezos, intends to implement Project Kuiper—a $10 billion initiative aimed at deploying an anticipated multitude of satellites designed to provide global internet connectivity. This project involves over 3,200 satellites. To support this endeavor, Amazon’s satellite unit is building a facility covering more than 100,000 square feet at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. This new site, costing approximately $120 million, will facilitate preparations for launching these satellites into orbit from the nearby Cape Canaveral.
The Atlas V rocket will launch the initial batch of 27 satellites, which will ascend to an altitude of 280 miles above Earth On Wednesday. The objective is to link billions of individuals through an extensive network comprising terrestrial antennas, optical fibers, and internet access nodes, as stated. Florida Today .
ULA intends to carry out a total of eight launches using Atlas V rockets and thirty-eight with Vulcan rockets for the Project Kuiper missions. The objective mirrors the exact approach used by Starlink, which is operated by SpaceX under Elon Musk’s ownership. As stated by Amazon, their satellites will orbit at over 17,000 miles per hour and completes an orbit around Earth roughly every 90 minutes.
Kuiper is named for the icy Kuiper Belt that stretches beyond Neptune's orbit.
Is Starlink superior to Kuiper? Which one is leading, Starlink or Kuiper?
When it comes to operational satellites, Starlink significantly leads with a considerable margin.
Kuiper has received approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to deploy 3,236 satellites, and the company stated they will not initiate services for customers until later this year , as soon as possible. As stated by New Scientist The firm stated that it will not begin providing internet rentals to customers until 578 satellites are launched. This means that even if today’s launch succeeds, they still need to deploy an additional 551 satellites into orbit for the network to become functional.
In the meantime, Starlink — which belongs to Elon Musk’s SpaceX — began deploying satellites starting in 2019. By March 28, the firm had managed to place 7,135 satellites into orbit, catering to millions of clients around the globe, as reported. Space.com The firm is additionally working on a military satellite network known as Starshield. is said to have agreements with the U.S. government .
Are Kuiper and Blue Origin the same company?
No, Project Kuiper is an endeavor led by Amazon, which falls under the same umbrella as products like Kindle, Echo, Fire TV, Ring, and various other technological gadgets. In contrast, Blue Origin is a distinct aerospace manufacturer established by Bezos and has no affiliation with this project.
Who is Jeff Bezos?
Jeff Bezos, aged 61, is the creator of the massive online retailer Amazon. resigning from the role of CEO in 2021 To assume the role of executive chairman. Additionally, he is the owner of both the Washington Post and Blue Origin. His engagement to fiancée Lauren Sánchez, who is 55 years old, will take place in Venice this summer. The wedding is expected to include notable guests such as Kim Kardashian, Ivanka Trump, and Bill Gates, reportedly. Business Insider .
In 2025, he claimed the third position on Forbes' Billionaires List as the third wealthiest individual globally, boasting a fortune of $215 billion. This placed him slightly behind Mark Zuckerberg, whose wealth stood at $216 billion, and Elon Musk, who secured the number one rank with a staggering net worth of $342 billion.
Lori Comstock is a journalist based in New Jersey who works with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team. .
The article initially appeared on NorthJersey.com. New Jersey might witness an Amazon rocket launch tonight. Here’s when and where you should look.