United Launch Alliance will attempt to launch its Atlas V rocket Friday evening from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The mission, part of Amazon's Leo 7 project, aims to deploy more satellites for the company's global internet network. The launch window is between 7:33 p.m. and 8:02 p.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-41. This will be the second Atlas V launch this year from the Space Coast, following a January mission for NASA's Landsat 9 satellite.
Amazon's Leo network seeks to provide broadband internet to remote areas. The company plans to launch over 3,000 satellites in coordinated orbits. ULA's website says the satellites will work together to deliver 'fast, reliable internet to customers beyond the reach of existing networks.' The mission follows a similar launch in December 2025, which deployed the first 100 satellites in the constellation.
The Atlas V will carry the Leo 7 payload into low-Earth orbit. The rocket has a proven track record at Cape Canaveral, with 17 successful launches from the Space Force Station since 2013. Weather forecasts show a 70% chance of favorable conditions for launch, though high winds could delay the mission. ULA officials will monitor atmospheric conditions through the day.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch earlier the same day from nearby Space Launch Complex-40. That mission will carry 52 Starlink satellites for SpaceX's broadband constellation. The dual launches highlight Florida's growing role in commercial spaceflight, with Cape Canaveral hosting 24 launches in 2025 alone. WESH 2 will stream the Atlas V launch live starting at 7 p.m. Friday.