Atlas V to Launch Heaviest Payload with 29 Amazon Leo Satellites

United Launch Alliance (ULA) is preparing to launch its heaviest payload to date with the Atlas V rocket, scheduled for Saturday, April 4, at 1:45 a.m. EDT (0545 GMT) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The mission, designated LA-05, will carry 29 satellites for Amazon's Leo broadband constellation, collectively weighing 18 tons.

Amazon Leo, formerly known as Project Kuiper, aims to deploy approximately 3,200 satellites into low Earth orbit to provide global internet coverage. To date, around 212 satellites have been launched over eight missions, utilizing various launch vehicles including Atlas V, SpaceX's Falcon 9, and Arianespace's Ariane 6.

The LA-05 mission marks the first time an Atlas V will carry 29 Amazon Leo satellites, an increase from the previous 27. This enhancement is attributed to a new, higher-performing version of the RL10C engine used on the rocket's Centaur upper stage. Amazon representatives noted that while the engine has flown on previous missions, LA-05 is the first to complete the extensive engineering and safety analysis required to use it with a larger payload.

With 29 satellites aboard, LA-05 will set a new record for the heaviest payload ever flown on an Atlas V rocket.

The launch will be streamed live by ULA, with coverage beginning 20 minutes before liftoff.