T+213: Amazon’s Project Kuiper Launch Contract Blockbuster

Amazon is purchasing up to 83 launches from Arianespace, Blue Origin and United Launch Alliance—in addition to the 9 Atlas V launches they bought last year—to deploy their Project Kuiper constellation. This is a huge deal that changes the game for heavy lift launch providers, and has major implications for the small launch providers in the industry.

This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 40 executive producers—Simon, Lauren, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Ryan, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, Moritz, Joel, Jan, David, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Matt, The Astrogators at SEE, Chris, Aegis Trade Law, Fred, Hemant, Dawn Aerospace, Andrew, and seven anonymous—and 766 other supporters.

Topics

• Amazon signs multibillion-dollar Project Kuiper launch contracts - SpaceNews
• Arianespace, ULA, Blue Origin discuss executing ambitious Kuiper constellation missions for Amazon - NASASpaceFlight.com
• Amazon launch contracts drive changes to launch vehicle production - SpaceNews
• Andrew Parsonson on Twitter: “Interesting details from @Arianespace regarding the @amazon deal. 16 of the 18 missions will be launched aboard the Ariane 64 with the upgraded P120C+ boosters. The new boosters are set to be introduced in 2025 and only if they are approved by @esa Member States in November.”
• Episode 55 - I’ve Slept on a Torpedo - Off-Nominal

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• Music by Max Justus
• Artwork photo by NASA/Ben Smegelsky