Amazon announces a second facility at Kennedy Space Center for Project Kuiper. Photo: Amazon

Amazon continues to invest in facilities for its Project Kuiper constellation, announcing a second facility at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. 

Last year, Project Kuiper broke ground on a $120 million satellite processing facility, and Amazon is now adding a secondary support facility at the site in a new, $19.5 million investment, the company announced Aug. 22.  

The new facility will be 42,000 square feet and will provide more space to process and store flight hardware ahead of launch. Amazon said this facility will include temperature-controlled storage areas, maintenance bays, multipurpose workspaces, and air load rigging capabilities to move heavy equipment. Construction is planned to be completed in 2025. 

Amazon said this facility will contribute to streamlining the process of receiving satellite shipments, connecting satellites to custom dispensers, and integrating the loaded dispensers with rockets from Blue Origin, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance (ULA) ahead of launch.

“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,” commented Brian Huseman, Amazon’s vice president for public policy and community engagement.

Amazon is preparing for the first full launch of Project Kuiper in the fourth quarter of 2024 and plans to begin delivering service to customers in 2025.