
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket will launch its heaviest-ever payload on Saturday morning (April 4), and you can watch the action live.
The Atlas V is scheduled to lift off Saturday at 1:45 a.m. EDT (0545 GMT) from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, carrying 29 satellites for the Amazon Leo broadband constellation to orbit. Together, those spacecraft weigh 18 tons, according to ULA.
You can watch it live here at Space.com, courtesy of ULA, or directly via the company. Coverage will begin 20 minutes before launch.
The Amazon Leo megaconstellation, previously known as Project Kuiper, will eventually consist of about 3,200 satellites in low Earth orbit. It's Amazon's answer to SpaceX's Starlink network, which beams internet service down from more than 10,000 satellites (and counting).
Amazon Leo is still in its early stages; just 212 of the spacecraft have reached orbit to date over the course of eight launches (not counting a 2023 liftoff that sent up two prototype satellites).
The Atlas V has flown four of those operational missions. Three employed SpaceX's Falcon 9, and the other one used Arianespace's Ariane 6 heavy lifter.
Saturday's launch, which Amazon calls LA-05, will be the first Atlas V mission to loft 29 Amazon Leo satellites; the others carried 27 of the spacecraft.
"The increase is a result of detailed engineering work between Amazon Leo and ULA, and is made possible by a new, higher-performing version of the RL10C engine used on the rocket's Centaur upper stage," Amazon representatives wrote in a mission description. "While the engine has flown on previous missions, LA-05 marks the first time the program has completed the extensive engineering and safety analysis required to use it with our larger payload."
And that payload is larger in a significant way, according to the LA-05 mission description: "With 29 satellites aboard, LA-05 will mark the heaviest payload ever flown on an Atlas V."
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Becoming amazing at Systems administration: Individual and Expert Tips - 2
A Past filled with Old Civilizations: The World's Most established Societies - 3
A Russian fighting for Ukraine conned the Kremlin out of $500,000 by faking his own death - 4
Ocean side Objections: Staggering Waterfront Breaks - 5
Former defense minister Gallant vacated home over security threat under Shin Bet direction
Egypt seeks to calm tourist fears over fallout of Iran war
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS isn't an alien spacecraft, astronomers confirm. 'In the end, there were no surprises.'
Remote Work Survival manual: Helping Efficiency at Home
The best ice packs for coolers of 2026, tested and reviewed
Over 60 local leaders push Netanyahu to halt haredi draft bill, warn of social rift
Insight: Pills, TikTok, weight-loss apps and the consumer-driven future of GLP-1s
Golden Globes 2026 full nominations list: 'One Battle After Another' and 'The White Lotus' lead in film and television categories
Step by step instructions to Pick the Right Web-based Degree Program
Starbucks' new 'Bearista' cup is causing a stir — and is being listed on eBay for $600












