Amazon launched its first batch of 27 Project Kuiper satellites into orbit on Monday, aiming to provide global broadband. This comes as part of a larger plan to deploy over 3,200 satellites, competing with SpaceX’s Starlink network. Despite opposition from astronomers over satellite interference, Amazon continues its efforts, having secured multiple rocket launches for the project.

Amazon's inaugural batch of internet satellites was launched into orbit on Monday, marking a significant step in the burgeoning mega-constellation market, which is currently dominated by SpaceX’s vast fleet of Starlink satellites. The United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket successfully carried 27 of Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellites into space. These satellites are named after the Kuiper Belt, the cold, distant region of our solar system beyond Neptune. Once deployed into orbit, the satellites will ultimately reach an altitude of nearly 400 miles (630 kilometers).

In 2023, two test satellites were launched by the same Atlas V rocket, and Project Kuiper officials have stated that significant improvements have been made to the latest batch. A notable enhancement is the application of a mirror film coating designed to scatter sunlight, which aims to reduce the glare that can interfere with astronomical observations.

The rapid expansion of low-orbit satellite constellations has faced opposition from stargazers who argue that the satellites disrupt celestial observations. Furthermore, there are growing concerns over the potential for satellite collisions as the number of objects in space increases.

Project Kuiper, which was founded by Jeff Bezos, the billionaire who now leads his own rocket company, Blue Origin, aims to deploy over 3,200 satellites into orbit. The goal is to provide fast and affordable broadband internet access across the globe. This initiative directly competes with SpaceX's Starlink network, which has already launched more than 8,000 satellites since its inception in 2019. As of Sunday night, SpaceX celebrated its 250th Starlink launch, with more than 7,000 of its satellites currently operational in low Earth orbit, approximately 300 miles (550 kilometers) above Earth. Meanwhile, the European-based OneWeb satellite constellation, which orbits at an even higher altitude, consists of hundreds of satellites.

Amazon has already secured numerous rocket launches from both United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin for its Project Kuiper, alongside additional contracts with other providers.

Rajeev Badyal, the vice president of the project, expressed that despite extensive testing on the ground, there are certain things that can only be learned in-flight. He emphasized that no matter how the mission progresses, this launch marks only the beginning of their journey.

A previous attempt to launch the satellites earlier this month was delayed due to bad weather, and it took until now to secure a spot in the launch schedule at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.