Ariane 6 provides new thrust for Amazon's Leo satellite network

This is only the second launch of the large Ariane 64 version. This morning, an Ariane 6 in its variant with four booster units is scheduled to ascend again. The Ariane 64 can transport up to 21.6 tons of payload into low Earth orbit (LEO) or 11.5 tons into the much higher geostationary orbit (GEO). According to the European Space Agency (ESA), the launch window is between 10:08 AM and 10:57 AM our time. Interested parties can follow the launch on YouTube in a livestream.

As with the first launch of an Ariane 64 on February 12th of this year, the rocket is to deploy another 32 new satellites for Amazon's future Leo internet service. With this, Amazon aims to expand its Leo network to about 300 satellites. ArianeGroup is currently the most important partner in the development of the future internet service, with 18 rocket launches agreed upon for the current Ariane 6 alone. In its final configuration, the satellite network is intended to comprise over 3000 satellites. However, even though Amazon is lagging its schedule in building its satellite network, the company promises to market web access with Leo starting in mid-this year.

For future launches, the Ariane 6 will likely be able to carry an even heavier payload and thus more than 32 Leo satellites into orbit. In the near future, larger P160C boosters are set to replace the currently used P120C boosters. The new models are one meter longer and can each accommodate over 14 tons more solid propellant.

The Ariane 6, successor to the Ariane 5, has already completed six successful launches since its maiden flight on July 9, 2024. Initially, the 62 variant with two boosters was launched, and since February, the Ariane 64 with four boosters has been used as needed.

(agr)