Today marks the launch of Amazon's inaugural batch of 27 operational satellites as part of their ambitious plan for the company's upcoming service. Project Kuiper internet constellation !
Welcome to FLORIDA TODAY'S Space Team live coverage of tonight’s United Launch Alliance KA-01 mission launching from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
ULA teams aim for a 7 p.m. EDT launch of a 205-foot Atlas V rocket. equipped with five rear rocket boosters —from Launch Pad 41.
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"Project Kuiper represents Amazon's low Earth orbit satellite system designed for high-speed internet access globally. This initiative aims to deliver swift and consistent online connectivity particularly benefiting areas lacking service or with limited coverage through over 3,200 LEO satellites," as stated on the ULA mission page.
The Atlas V rocket will ascend into the sky following a northeastern path, with no expected sonic booms over Central Florida. Nevertheless, the Space Force’s 45th Weather Squadron estimated a mere 55% chance of suitable launch conditions due to concerns about cumulus clouds and gusty wind speeds during takeoff.
"Notably, recent guidelines suggest that maximum wind speeds are anticipated on Wednesday afternoon and are projected to decrease gradually throughout the period," stated the squadron's weather report.
Once ULA's live webcast starts around 6:35 p.m., you can find it displayed below alongside our countdown clock.
Preparation for Atlas V launch getting started in Brevard
Update 6:12 p.m.: Officials from Brevard County Emergency Management have initiated their launch operations support team in anticipation of ULA's forthcoming Atlas V launch.
The ULA rocket's first stage has been filled with fuel – however, the weather remains unfavorable.
Update 6:02 p.m.: The ULA crew has finished filling the first-stage liquid-oxygen tank, and they have started the topping-off process.
Nevertheless, the National Weather Service radar data from the Melbourne Orlando International Airport station indicates substantial storm activity both over the ocean and directly south of the Cape. According to ULA, these conditions have led to a continued "red" status for launch due to prevailing winds and cloud cover.
ULA releases Atlas V Project Kuiper video
Update 5:45 p.m.: Watch ULA's video below for more information about tonight's scheduled mission.
The Space Force has granted ULA a contract worth $428 million for missions.
Update 5:32 p.m.: While the rocket fueling process is ongoing, it’s important to mention that the Space Force has allocated two national security missions scheduled for the 2025 fiscal year to ULA, with a combined cost of $427.6 million, as reported by military officials on Monday.
SpaceX has been awarded seven missions worth a total of $845.8 million, whereas Blue Origin will get its initial chance at securing a mission during the 2026 fiscal year.
These assignments will offer our country essential space-driven outcomes required for safeguarding national security," stated Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen in an official statement. "Through these endeavors, our procurement specialists along with the launch service providers are deploying advanced spatial technologies into orbit to stay ahead of rival nations.
The Atlas V rocket's refueling process has started as preparations move forward for the upcoming launch.
Update 5:15 p.m.: Fueling remains ongoing for both the rocket's first stage and Centaur upper stage.
As of now, 20 percent of the Centaur LOX tank has been filled. Liquid oxygen, cooled down to -298°F, will be used alongside liquid hydrogen during the launch powered by the Centaur’s sole RL10A-4-2 engine. The liquid hydrogen will be added to the stage at a later point in the countdown sequence," stated an update posted at 5:10 PM.
ULA teams will start fueling the Atlas V rocket in preparation for liftoff.
Update 4:57 p.m.: The Atlas V has been cleared for fueling, as indicated by a readiness survey conducted among ULA’s launch crew.
Nevertheless, the prediction indicates just a 20% chance of suitable weather conditions for the scheduled 7 p.m. launch timeframe. For your reference, the biannual launch window available today lasts up till 9 p.m.
Previously, crews cooled down the rocket's first-stage liquid oxygen system and increased pressure in the pad’s liquid-oxygen tank designed for the Centaur upper stage.
Amazon's launch will take place on the 29th of this year from the Space Coast.
Update 4:44 p.m.: The forthcoming Atlas V launch will mark the 29th trip to orbit for this year up until now, originating from both NASA's Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Click here for the FLORIDA TODAY Space Team's ongoing update log for these missions. , featuring photo galleries along with linked stories.
ULA teams tracking wind conditions and cumulus cloud formations
Update 4:30 p.m.: ULA states that their launch-window forecast currently indicates just a 20 percent probability of suitable weather, characterized by patchy cloud cover, sporadic rain showers, and north winds ranging from 20 to 28 knots.
A blog post stated, "During the pre-fueling weather briefing with mission management, Launch Weather Officer Brian Belson reported that both wind speeds and cumulus clouds are currently not meeting the required weather standards."
To stay updated with the most recent news and launch schedules from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, check out their websites. Massima/space .
Rick Neale serves as a Space Reporter for FLORIDA TODAY. Reach out to Neale at Rneale@Massima . Twitter/X: @RickNeale1
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The article initially appeared in Florida Today: ULA Amazon Launch: Real-time Updates From the Project Kuiper Atlas V Lift-off at Cape Canaveral, Florida