Amazon Gets Boost as Ariane 6 Heavy Variant Successfully Launches 32 Satellites

Europe’s heavy-lift Ariane 64 rocket delivered a crucial launch for Amazon, placing 32 satellites into low-Earth orbit for the company’s broadband constellation. The rocket lifted off from the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana, marking the first flight of the four-booster configuration of Ariane 6.
Developed by the European Space Agency and operated by Arianespace, the Ariane 64 generated more than 3.4 million pounds of thrust and deployed the satellites at an altitude of about 465 kilometers. The mission was declared a success, reinforcing Europe’s return to heavy lift launch capability.
The satellites are part of Amazon’s low-Earth orbit network, formerly known as Project Kuiper, designed to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink service. While SpaceX has launched thousands of satellites aboard its Falcon 9 rockets, Amazon has faced launch delays due to setbacks with new vehicles such as ULA’s Vulcan and Blue Origin’s New Glenn.
Amazon has booked more than 100 launches across multiple providers but recently acknowledged a near-term shortage of launch capacity. The successful Ariane 6 mission strengthens Amazon’s deployment schedule as it works toward regulatory deadlines for constellation rollout.
With additional Ariane 6 launches planned, Europe’s rocket appears poised to play a key role in supporting Amazon’s ambitious satellite internet expansion.