Arianespace to launch powerful Ariane 64 rocket in historic mission for Amazon’s satellite constellation

Arianespace is poised to make history with the inaugural launch of its most powerful Ariane 6 rocket variant, the Ariane 64, set for February 12th at 16:45 UTC. This launch will take place at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana, during a 28-minute launch window. The Ariane 64, equipped with four solid rocket boosters, will deploy 32 satellites into orbit for Amazon’s newly branded internet satellite constellation, now called Amazon Leo.

This mission, designated Leo Europe 01 (LE-01) by Amazon and VA267 by Arianespace, represents several milestones. It’s the first time Amazon’s Leo satellites will be launched aboard a European rocket, marking Arianespace’s debut with a commercial customer’s payload for the Ariane 6 series. Additionally, the mission will showcase the rocket’s newly elongated fairing, designed for larger payloads.

The launch will proceed from the ELA-4 launch pad, with the rocket taking a northeastern trajectory. The four boosters are set to detach approximately two minutes and 25 seconds after liftoff, reaching an altitude of around 87 kilometers. The fairings are expected to release at around three minutes and 11 seconds after launch, allowing the satellites to be exposed to the vacuum of space. Approximately seven minutes and 43 seconds into the flight, the main stage will shut down and separate, followed by the ignition of the upper stage.

After a series of events, including the satellites’ separation which will occur over a 25-minute timeframe starting one hour and 29 minutes into the mission, the 32 Amazon Leo satellites will eventually raise their orbits to approximately 630 kilometers. The upper stage of the Ariane 6 will also complete its mission by performing a third ignition approximately two hours and 42 minutes post-launch to ensure a safe reentry trajectory.

This launch marks the start of an ambitious plan for Amazon, which has contracted a total of 18 Ariane 6 missions for its Leo project. By the end of this mission, the number of Leo satellites in orbit will reach 212, including earlier demonstration units. Amazon has plans to expand its constellation to over 7,000 satellites, which will aim to deliver broadband internet worldwide, connecting customers and communities through an extensive network of ground stations and customer terminals.

The Ariane 64 is the most potent variant of the Ariane 6 series, using the same main stage powered by a Vulcain 2.1 engine. This will be the sixth flight of the Ariane 6 family, with previous missions using the Ariane 62 variant, which is equipped with two solid rocket boosters. Notably, any efforts to improve payload capacities will lead Arianespace to develop the upgraded Ariane 6 Block 2, which features larger solid rocket boosters to further boost performance.

With the successful development and testing of new technologies, the Ariane 64 launch signifies an important step forward for both Arianespace and Amazon, as they work together to bolster global internet connectivity through satellite technology. Rajeev Badyal, vice president of Amazon Leo, expressed enthusiasm for this collaboration, emphasizing the operational efficiency and increased satellite deployment capabilities offered by the heavy-lift launch vehicle. As the countdown draws closer, the industry watches with anticipation for this landmark mission.