Ariane 64 Block 2 | Amazon Leo (LE-03)
Ariane 64 • Ariane
📝 Mission Description
Ariane 64 Launches Amazon Leo Satellites: A Step Toward Global Broadband Connectivity
On June 30, 2026, the European Space Agency (ESA) and Arianespace successfully executed the Ariane 64 Block 2 mission, designated Amazon Leo (LE-03), from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana. This launch deployed a batch of satellites for Amazon's ambitious Leo constellation, formerly known as Project Kuiper, aimed at bridging the global digital divide through low Earth orbit (LEO) broadband internet. Managed by Kuiper Systems LLC, an Amazon subsidiary, the constellation is designed to encompass 3,276 satellites across 98 orbital planes in three distinct layers at altitudes of 590 km, 610 km, and 630 km. These orbits optimize coverage and latency, enabling high-speed internet access in underserved regions, from remote rural areas to maritime and aviation sectors.
The mission's primary objective is to expand Amazon Leo's network, which competes with rivals like SpaceX's Starlink by providing affordable, low-latency connectivity. Each satellite, weighing approximately 500-600 kg, incorporates advanced phased-array antennas and laser inter-satellite links for seamless data routing. The LE-03 payload consisted of 36 satellites, fitting within the Ariane 64's capacity to carry 35-40 units per launch. This multi-satellite deployment leverages a dispenser system that releases them in precise sequences, ensuring they reach their target orbits with minimal propulsion adjustments. Such efficiency is crucial for scaling the constellation rapidly, with Amazon planning dozens of launches to meet FCC deployment milestones by 2029.
At the heart of this mission is the Ariane 64 rocket, a heavy-lift variant of the Ariane 6 family developed by ESA and ArianeGroup. Standing 63 meters tall with a diameter of 5.4 meters, it features a core stage powered by the Vulcain 2.1 engine, delivering 1,370 kN of thrust using liquid hydrogen and oxygen. Augmented by four P120 solid rocket boosters, each providing 4,650 kN, the Ariane 64 achieves a lift-off thrust of over 20,000 kN. The upper stage, equipped with the restartable Vinci engine (180 kN thrust), allows for multiple burns to insert payloads into various orbits. With a payload capacity of up to 21.6 tons to low Earth orbit or 11.5 tons to geostationary
ℹ️ Official Details
Amazon Leo, formerly known as Project Kuiper, is a mega constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit that will offer broadband internet access, this constellation will be managed by Kuiper Systems LLC, a subsidiary of Amazon. This constellation is planned to be composed of 3,276 satellites. The satellites are projected to be placed in 98 orbital planes in three orbital layers, one at 590 km, 610 km and 630 km altitude.
35-40 satellites will be carried on each Ariane 6 launch.