SpaceX is on the verge of launching twenty-four satellites for Amazon’s Project Kuiper, following a series of weather-related delays. The launch is scheduled for October 12, 2025, at 8:08 p.m. EDT (0008 UTC) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, utilizing the Falcon 9 rocket.
The mission, designated Kuiper Falcon 03 (KF-03), has encountered multiple postponements due to adverse weather conditions both at the launch site and offshore. As preparations finalize, the 45th Weather Squadron has provided a positive outlook, forecasting a 95 percent chance of favorable weather during the launch window. Nonetheless, recovery conditions remain a consideration due to elevated winds and seas in the area.
Launch and Recovery Details
The Falcon 9 rocket will employ first stage booster B1091, marking its second flight. Previously used for the KF-02 mission, B1091 is set to autonomously land on the drone ship ‘Just Read the Instructions’ approximately eight minutes after liftoff. If successful, this will be the 138th landing on this vessel and the 517th overall booster landing.
Launch weather officers have noted that winds will shift from northwest to north as moisture levels decrease, leading to mostly clear skies. They indicated that the only potential issue on both launch days is the slight risk of a Cumulus Cloud Rule violation, which could affect recovery.
Kuiper Satellites and Future Plans
The deployment of the Kuiper satellites will commence more than 56 minutes post-launch, concluding shortly thereafter. This mission will elevate the total number of Kuiper satellites in low Earth orbit to 153. This launch represents the sixth overall mission for the Kuiper constellation, following three previous launches facilitated by United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rockets and two earlier missions via Falcon 9 rockets.
SpaceX transported the 24 Project Kuiper satellites from Amazon’s Payload Processing Facility at the Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility to Launch Complex 40. The successful deployment of these satellites is a critical step in Amazon’s efforts to establish its broadband internet service through the Project Kuiper constellation.
As anticipation builds around the KF-03 mission, it underscores the growing competition in the satellite internet sector, where both established players and new entrants seek to broaden their global reach.
