BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – Amazon is investing another $19.5 million to build a storage and processing site at Kennedy Space Center for “Project Kuiper,” an internet satellite constellation not unlike SpaceX’s Starlink.
After breaking ground in 2023 on what was to be a $120 million, 100,000-square-foot facility at the Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility, the cost to build the site has since grown to nearly $140 million with the addition of plans for a 42,000-square-foot secondary support facility intended to ensure Project Kuiper missions launch reliably and on time.
Project Kuiper’s mission at large is “to bring high-speed, low-latency broadband to customers and communities around the world,” an Amazon news release states. Using United Launch Alliance rockets, Amazon is working with the goal to deploy a constellation of internet satellites, some 3,232 units strong. Internet service to customers of Project Kuiper and the completion of the facility itself are both expected in 2025, according to Amazon.
“Expanding investments in Project Kuiper’s infrastructure at Space Florida’s Launch and Landing Facility not only reinforces our commitment to delivering reliable broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities worldwide, but also strengthens Florida’s position as a hub for space innovation and job creation,” Brian Huseman, Amazon’s vice president for public policy and community engagement, said in a statement. “We extend our sincere appreciation to Governor Ron DeSantis, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, and Space Florida CEO Rob Long for their leadership, and look forward to helping pave the way for a more connected future.”
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The news release added Amazon was investing in infrastructure and service upgrades on a second ULA vertical integration facility dedicated to Project Kuiper launches. Dubbed “VIF-A” — “A” meaning “Amazon” — the new facility will reportedly enable ULA to prepare for two missions in parallel, using the new Vulcan Centaur rocket.
As far as that exclusivity however, Amazon clarified its satellite processing facility will be capable of putting payloads onto Blue Origin, SpaceX and ULA rockets alike.
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