Falcon 9 Block 5 | Amazon Leo (KF-01)
Falcon 9 • Falcon
📝 Mission Description
Falcon 9 Launches Amazon's Kuiper Constellation: A Milestone in Satellite Internet
On July 16, 2025, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, marking the inaugural launch of Amazon's ambitious Kuiper satellite constellation. Dubbed Amazon Leo (KF-01), this mission deployed 24 satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) as the first in a three-launch contract with SpaceX. The event underscores the growing role of commercial partnerships in expanding global broadband access, positioning Amazon as a key player in the satellite internet race.
At its core, the mission's objectives center on building out Amazon's Project Kuiper—now rebranded as Amazon Leo—a mega-constellation designed to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet to underserved regions worldwide. Managed by Kuiper Systems LLC, an Amazon subsidiary, the network aims to consist of 3,276 satellites distributed across 98 orbital planes in three layers at altitudes of 590 km, 610 km, and 630 km. These satellites, weighing approximately 700 kg each, incorporate advanced phased-array antennas and laser inter-satellite links for seamless data relay. The payload for KF-01 demonstrated the Falcon 9's capability to handle multi-satellite deployments, with the rocket's fairing accommodating the stack of 24 units. This setup allows for efficient orbital insertion, enabling the satellites to provide broadband speeds up to 1 Gbps, targeting remote areas, maritime users, and aviation where traditional infrastructure falls short. By focusing on affordability and global coverage, Kuiper seeks to bridge the digital divide, potentially serving millions in unconnected communities.
The Falcon 9 Block 5, the workhorse of SpaceX's fleet, exemplifies reusable rocket technology. Standing 70 meters tall with a diameter of 3.7 meters, it features two stages: the first powered by nine Merlin 1D engines generating 7.6 MN of thrust, and the second by a single vacuum-optimized Merlin engine. Constructed primarily from aluminum-lithium alloy, the rocket incorporates grid fins for controlled descent and landing legs for reusability. Its Block 5 variant, introduced in 2018, includes upgrades like enhanced heat shielding and stronger turbopumps, allowing for up to 10 reuses per booster with minimal refurbishment. For this mission, the Falcon 9 achieved a payload capacity of about 15,600 kg to LEO, though Kuiper's satellites utilized a fraction of
ℹ️ Official Details
First of a three launches contract for Amazon's Kuiper low Earth orbit satellite internet constellation, with 24 satellites on board.
Amazon Leo, formerly known as Project Kuiper, is a mega constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit that will offer broadband internet access, this constellation will be managed by Kuiper Systems LLC, a subsidiary of Amazon. This constellation is planned to be composed of 3,276 satellites. The satellites are projected to be placed in 98 orbital planes in three orbital layers, one at 590 km, 610 km and 630 km altitude.
🎯 Post-Launch Analysis
The Falcon 9 Block 5 mission for Amazon Leo (KF-01) on July 16, 2025, achieved a successful launch, marking the first of a three-launch contract for Amazon’s Kuiper satellite internet constellation. The rocket performed flawlessly, delivering 24 satellites into their designated low Earth orbit. Payload deployment was executed with precision across the targeted orbital layers at 590 km, 610 km, and 630 km, ensuring optimal positioning for broadband connectivity. Key engineering outcomes include the demonstrated reliability of Falcon 9’s reusable design and its capacity to handle multi-satellite deployments efficiently. This success validates the technical framework for scaling up Amazon’s ambitious 3,276-satellite constellation. For future missions, it sets a strong precedent for operational consistency and reinforces confidence in SpaceX’s ability to support large-scale constellation deployments, paving the way for expanded global internet access through Project Kuiper.