European rocket launches record-breaking mission with Amazon internet satellites (video)

Live updates

1. 1d ago

   Amazon Expands Leo Satellite Constellation via European and US Launches

   Amazon is deploying a broadband internet constellation formerly known as Project Kuiper. Recent missions include an Ariane 6 launch from French Guiana on June 17 and an Atlas V launch from Florida on July 2. These efforts aim to compete with SpaceX's Starlink.

   What's confirmed:

   • An Ariane 6 flight VA269 launched 36 Amazon Leo satellites from French Guiana on June 17 at 09:21 local time.
   • The Ariane 6 mission used four advanced solid-propellant P160C boosters for the first time.
   • A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket launched 29 Amazon Leo satellites from Florida on July 2.
   • The Amazon Leo constellation, previously called Project Kuiper, provides broadband internet access.
   • The Ariane 6 mission marked the eighth consecutive successful mission insertion for the rocket.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Amazon intends to place over 7,000 satellites in low Earth orbit.
   • The Leo constellation will consist of 3,276 satellites across 98 orbital planes.
   • The Atlas V mission on July 2 was the final Atlas 5 551 flight.
   confidence 90%
2. 10d ago

   Ariane 6 Sets Record With 36 Amazon Leo Satellites

   An Ariane 6 rocket launched from French Guiana on June 17 to deploy 36 Amazon Leo satellites. The mission used new P160C solid-propellant boosters to increase payload capacity. This marks the eighth consecutive successful mission insertion for the rocket.

   What's confirmed:

   • Flight VA269 launched from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana on June 17, 2026, at 09:21 local time.
   • The mission deployed 36 satellites for the Amazon Leo constellation.
   • The rocket utilized four new boosters based on the P160C solid-propellant rocket motor.
   • Each P160C booster holds 14 tonnes more propellant than previous versions.
   • The P160C boosters can increase Ariane 6 performance by 10% to 15% depending on the orbit.
   • This was the eighth successful mission insertion in a row for the Ariane 6.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The mission reflects Europe's return as an independent actor in the space race.
   confidence 100%
3. 13d ago

   Ariane 6 Flight VA269 Deploys 36 Amazon Satellites

   Arianespace launched 36 satellites for the Amazon Leo constellation from French Guiana on June 17. The mission utilized the first Ariane 6 rocket equipped with P160C solid-propellant boosters. This upgrade allowed for four more satellites than the previous two Leo launches.

   What's confirmed:

   • Ariane 6 flight VA269 launched 36 Amazon Leo satellites from French Guiana on June 17.
   • The rocket used four new boosters based on the P160C solid-propellant rocket motor.
   • This payload was four satellites larger than the two previous Ariane 6 Leo launches.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded during a test fire shortly after 9 p.m. ET on May 29.
   confidence 100%
4. 14d ago

   Ariane 64 Sets Weight Record Delivering Amazon Leo Satellites

   Arianespace launched 36 Amazon Leo satellites from French Guiana on June 17, 2026. The Ariane 64 rocket used four upgraded boosters to carry the heaviest payload in the vehicle's history. This mission marks the eighth consecutive successful insertion for the rocket.

   What's confirmed:

   • Arianespace launched 36 Amazon Leo satellites on June 17, 2026, from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.
   • The mission used an Ariane 64 configuration featuring four upgraded boosters.
   • This flight delivered the heaviest payload to date for the Ariane 6 rocket.
   • The launch of 36 satellites was the eighth successful mission insertion in a row for the rocket.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The four-booster version of Ariane 6 debuted six months prior to the June 17 launch.
   • Each upgraded booster carried 14 tonnes more propellant.
   • Amazon plans to eventually have more than 3,000 satellites in orbit.
   • There were 302 Leo satellites in orbit before the ULA launch on May 28.
   confidence 100%
5. 15d ago

   Arianespace Deploys 36 Amazon Leo Satellites via Ariane 64

   An Ariane 64 rocket successfully delivered 36 Amazon Leo broadband satellites to low Earth orbit on June 17, 2026. The mission, designated VA269 by Arianespace and Leo Europe 03 by Amazon, used four P160C boosters for the first time. This flight carried the largest and heaviest payload in the history of the Ariane rocket.

   What's confirmed:

   • The mission launched 36 Amazon Leo satellites into low Earth orbit on June 17, 2026.
   • Arianespace used an Ariane 64 rocket for the flight.
   • The rocket utilized four P160C boosters for the first time.
   • The mission carried the heaviest and largest payload to date for Arianespace.
   • The flight launched from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.
   • Arianespace designated the mission VA269 while Amazon called it Leo Europe 03.
   • This was the third of 18 Ariane 6 flights booked by Amazon Leo.
   confidence 100%
6. 16d ago

   Arianespace Launches Record-Breaking Amazon Leo Mission

   An Ariane 64 rocket successfully deployed 36 Amazon Leo satellites on June 17, 2026. This flight carried the heaviest payload ever launched by an Ariane rocket. The mission utilized four advanced solid-propellant P160C boosters for the first time.

   What's confirmed:

   • Arianespace successfully placed 36 Amazon Leo satellites into orbit on June 17, 2026.
   • The mission used an Ariane 64 rocket equipped with four advanced solid-propellant P160C boosters.
   • This flight carried the heaviest payload to date for an Ariane rocket.
   • Amazon Leo is a low Earth orbit satellite network designed to provide internet to customers outside existing network reach.
   • An Ariane 64 rocket previously launched 32 Amazon Leo satellites from French Guiana on February 12, 2026.
   confidence 100%