What is the ULA Atlas V rocket and how does it work?

When and where can I watch the ULA Atlas V rocket launch Amazon satellites?

Last updated: April 28, 2026

The ULA Atlas V rocket successfully launched 29 Amazon satellites on April 27, 2026, at 8:53 p.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

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Launch Date & Time	Monday, April 27, 2026, at 8:53 p.m. EDT (8:52-9:51 p.m. launch window)
Launch Location	Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Visibility Range	Florida to New England, weather permitting, with best viewing on the Space Coast, Fun Coast, and Treasure Coast
Satellites Deployed	29 Amazon Leo broadband internet satellites to low Earth orbit
Payload Record	Tied heaviest payload ever flown by Atlas V at 18 tons
Watch Options	Live coverage on floridatoday.com/space, FLORIDA TODAY app, FOX 35 Orlando, and other outlets with 90-minute pre-launch coverage

Launch Details

The United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 8:53 p.m. EDT, carrying 29 Amazon Leo broadband satellites. The rocket was equipped with five solid rocket boosters for extra lifting power and deployed all 29 spacecraft to low Earth orbit over 10 separate deployments between 21 and 16 minutes after launch. This was the sixth Amazon Leo mission flown by Atlas V, designated Amazon Leo 6.

Viewing the Launch

The evening launch was visible from Florida to New England, weather permitting. Best viewing opportunities occurred on Florida's Space Coast (Melbourne area), Fun Coast (Daytona Beach area), and Treasure Coast (Vero Beach, Jensen Beach, Fort Pierce). Viewers were encouraged to look toward the eastern sky about three minutes after launch. The launch window timing around 8:52-9:51 p.m. was optimal because local sunset occurred just before 8 p.m., meaning the sun's light on the western horizon illuminated the rocket's vapor trail as it traveled eastward, potentially creating a distinctive jellyfish-like appearance.

Watch Coverage

Live webcast coverage with live tweets and updates aired 90 minutes before liftoff on floridatoday.com/space. Coverage was also available through the FLORIDA TODAY app for iPhone and Android. Additional live coverage options included FOX 35 Orlando and other media outlets providing real-time launch updates and satellite deployment confirmation.

Mission Purpose

The Amazon Leo constellation aims to provide fast, reliable internet to underserved communities. Amazon Leo will eventually consist of more than 3,200 satellites and requires more than 80 total launches by various rockets. As of the April 27 launch, 10 total Amazon Leo missions had occurred, with Atlas V launching six, SpaceX Falcon 9 launching three, and Arianespace Ariane 6 launching one.

Payload Achievement

The Atlas V tied its record for heaviest payload ever flown, delivering 18 tons to orbit. This matched the payload weight of the previous Amazon Leo 5 mission launched on April 4, 2026. The record-tying achievement demonstrated the rocket's capabilities when equipped with five solid rocket boosters.