European Ariane 64 rocket launches 36 Amazon Leo satellites

The European Ariane 64 rocket soared into the sky from French Guiana on Wednesday, carrying 36 new communication satellites for Amazon's Leo constellation. This mission, the third dedicated to deploying Amazon's network, signifies a major step for the Ariane 6 program.

The launch featured the most powerful version of the Ariane 6, the Ariane 64, equipped with four boosters. This configuration, utilizing new P160C solid rocket motors, represents a significant upgrade. These motors are among the largest single-piece, carbon-fiber solid rocket motors globally and are designed to replace the P120C used in earlier flights. This enhancement boosts the Ariane 64's payload capacity to approximately 22 tons in low Earth orbit, making this the heaviest payload ever launched by an Ariane rocket.

The 36 satellites will join over 300 already in orbit, contributing to Amazon Leo's goal of providing fast and affordable internet access to regions lacking reliable connectivity. The constellation aims to serve residential, business, mobility, and government clients, fostering economic growth and supporting essential services like telemedicine and distance education in rural communities. Amazon Leo will directly compete with Elon Musk's Starlink network.

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We test planes before flying them. The US and EU are world leaders in aviation safety, and we can also show the way also in AI...I'm looking forward to working together with the U.S. on this