CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Amazon successfully launched its first group of internet satellites into orbit on Monday, officially entering the growing satellite broadband race currently led by SpaceX’s Starlink network.

A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carried 27 of Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellites into space. Named after the Kuiper Belt — the icy region beyond Neptune — these satellites are designed to orbit at an altitude of nearly 400 miles (630 kilometers).

This marks Amazon’s second foray into space following the launch of two test satellites in 2023, also aboard an Atlas V. Project Kuiper officials say the latest satellites feature significant upgrades, including a special mirror coating to reduce sunlight reflections — a response to concerns from astronomers who say large satellite constellations interfere with night sky observations.

SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, currently dominates the satellite internet market with over 8,000 Starlink satellites launched since 2019. Of those, more than 7,000 remain in orbit, approximately 300 miles (550 kilometers) above Earth. On Sunday night, SpaceX celebrated its 250th Starlink launch.

Other players in the satellite constellation race include Europe’s OneWeb, which has a smaller network positioned in higher orbits.

Amazon, founded by Jeff Bezos — who also owns the rocket company Blue Origin — plans to deploy over 3,200 Kuiper satellites to provide high-speed, low-cost internet access worldwide. To support this massive rollout, Amazon has secured multiple rocket launches from ULA, Blue Origin, and other providers.

“There are some things you can only learn in flight,” said Rajeev Badyal, vice president of Project Kuiper, acknowledging that in-orbit performance is essential despite extensive ground testing.

“No matter how the mission unfolds, this is just the start of our journey,” Badyal added, speaking ahead of Monday evening’s liftoff.

The launch had been delayed once earlier this month due to poor weather. It finally took off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station once a new launch slot became available.