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 able to witness it illuminating the nighttime sky .
The inaugural launch of Jeff Bezos' Project Kuiper aims to deploy 27 satellites into low-Earth orbit to offer global internet access through a broadband network. This initiative is part of Bezos' broader plan for a constellation comprising 3,232 broadband satellites. will compete for customers With the extensive Starlink network established by SpaceX founder Elon Musk.
The powerful Atlas V, featuring five auxiliary rocket boosters, is scheduled for liftoff today from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida within a two-hour launch window. If you're looking to catch the event live either from New Jersey or remotely from elsewhere across states or via an internet stream, here’s what you can do.
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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 the eastern coastline of Florida.
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. Stay alert for it. ULA's livestream or ULA's X page for updates.
Where can you stream 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 offered 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 array of potentially thousands of satellites designed to provide global internet coverage. This project falls under Amazon’s satellite arm, which is establishing a $120 million facility covering over 100,000 square feet within NASA's Kennedy Space Center. This site will facilitate preparations for launching more than 3,200 satellites as part of Project Kuiper 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 antenna arrays, optical fibers, and various internet access nodes, as stated. Florida Today .
ULA intends to carry out a mission with a total of eight launches using the Atlas V rocket and another 38 launches utilizing the Vulcan rocket for Project Kuiper. This plan mirrors the concept behind Starlink, which is operated by SpaceX under Elon Musk’s ownership. As per Amazon, their satellites will operate at over 17,000 miles per hour and completes an orbit around Earth roughly every 90 minutes.
Kuiper is named for the distant Kuiper Belt, which lies beyond Neptune's orbit.
Is Starlink superior to Kuiper? Which one is leading between Starlink and 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 firm stated they will not introduce their services to consumers 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 deployed. This means that even if today’s launch succeeds, they still need to send an additional 551 satellites into orbit for the network to become fully functional.
In the meantime, Starlink — which is operated by Musk’s SpaceX company — began sending satellites into space starting in 2019. By March 28, the firm had successfully placed 7,135 satellites in orbit and was catering to millions of subscribers worldwide. 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 led by Amazon, which also develops products like the Kindle, Echo, Fire TV, and Ring. 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 founder of the massive online retailer Amazon. resigning from the role of CEO in 2021 To take on the role of executive chairman. Additionally, he possesses ownership of both the Washington Post and Blue Origin. His engagement to fiancée Lauren Sánchez, aged 55, is set to culminate in a wedding this summer in Venice. Notable guests expected at the ceremony include Kim Kardashian, Ivanka Trump, and Bill Gates, as reported. 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, valued at $216 billion, with Elon Musk securing 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 can watch it.