The scheduled Sunday launch could mark a new phase in competition in the commercial space market, and pave the way for the deployment of Amazon's Kuiper satellite network.

The business battle between the two wealthiest people in the world moves to Spain. Amazon Kuiper, the tech giant's division to provide high-speed and affordable internet via low-orbit satellites, has obtained government authorization to operate.

Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin is set for an inaugural launch of its giant New Glenn rocket on Sunday, a long-awaited first leap to Earth orbit that sets up one of the biggest challenges yet to industry dominance enjoyed by Elon Musk's SpaceX.