
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
'A prank': Israel Police detain suspect for shooting rubber bullets at Ashkelon kindergarten - 2
How grandchildren are stepping up to fill the caregiver gap - 3
Figure out How to Use the Experience of a Fender bender Legal counselor for Your Potential benefit - 4
What's going around right now? COVID, flu, stomach bug on the rise - 5
Netanyahu vows to ‘return Negev to Israel,’ pledges settlement growth during visit
7 Logically Demonstrated Techniques for Better Rest
Want to make America healthy again? Stop fueling climate change
Charli xcx recorded original songs for 'Wuthering Heights' — what to know about the new album for Margot Robbie's film
King Charles III says he is reducing cancer treatment schedule in 2026
Eight arrested in joint Scotland and Spain gang raids
'Home Alone' actor Joe Pesci said 'no' to this stunt until he saw a 9-year-old girl do it, says director Chris Columbus
Thousands of New York City nurses set to strike Monday if deal isn't reached with hospitals
Top Fascinating Organic products: Which One Might You Want to Attempt?
5 Instructive Toy Brands for Youngsters











