ULA Atlas V Rocket Launches Amazon Leo Satellites to Boost Internet

A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket successfully launched early on December 5, 2023, deploying **27 operational satellites** as part of Amazon’s Leo LA-04 mission. The launch took place at **3:28 a.m. EST** from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, marking Amazon’s fourth launch using the ULA Atlas V rocket.

This mission contributes to the rapid expansion of Amazon’s low Earth orbit (LEO) internet constellation, increasing the total number of satellites launched to **180**. The collaboration between ULA and Amazon is described as the world’s largest commercial launch agreement, with ULA set to deliver over half of Amazon’s planned constellation of more than **3,000 satellites** by **July 2029**.

Significant Milestone for Amazon

Gary Wentz, ULA’s vice president of Atlas and Vulcan programs, stated, “One of our primary missions at ULA is to be a catalyst in connecting the world. Partnering with Amazon contributes to their mission of bridging the global digital gap.” The successful deployment occurred at an altitude of approximately **289 miles** before control was handed over to Amazon’s Leo operations team, based in **Redmond, Washington**. Engineers there began initial health checks on the satellites, which will subsequently be elevated to their operational altitude of about **392 miles**.

The LA-04 mission marks Amazon’s seventh successful satellite launch in **2023** and is the first under the Amazon Leo program name, previously known as Project Kuiper. As the constellation grows, Amazon has initiated an enterprise preview of its broadband service for select business and government clients, with broader services expected to follow as capacity expands.

Future Launches and Infrastructure Developments

Several Amazon Leo missions are scheduled on the Atlas V rocket, with **38 high-cadence launches** planned for the next-generation Vulcan rocket. In total, **47 launches** are slated between the two vehicles to deploy the majority of Amazon’s initial satellite constellation.

The satellites were housed in a **17.7-foot-diameter** medium payload fairing, with the Atlas V standing approximately **205 feet** tall once the **5-meter fairing** was installed. The rocket’s Centaur upper stage, powered by a cryogenic RL10C-1-1 engine, facilitated orbital insertion. The booster stage, utilizing the RD-180 engine along with five solid rocket boosters, generated the necessary thrust for liftoff.

As Amazon prepares for increased launch rates, ULA is also enhancing its infrastructure. In **January 2024**, the Decatur-Morgan County Port Authority will commence a **$659,000** project to improve dock facilities at ULA in Decatur, Alabama. This upgrade will accommodate a new ULA boat designed to transfer rockets by river to launch sites, featuring a new tie-off point and an extended walkway for the ship, which will measure **356 feet** in length.

The successful LA-04 mission underscores the commitment of both ULA and Amazon to deliver reliable, high-speed internet access globally, with production and processing rates expected to scale ahead of an increased mission cadence projected for **2026**.