Amazon has ordered six more launches of the European Ariane 6 rocket to place satellites from its Amazon Leo internet constellation into orbit. The new agreement increases the total number of missions contracted with Arianespace from 18 to 24 and extends the partnership through 2031.
The announcement was made on Wednesday (9), during an international space sector gathering in Paris, and confirmed by Arianespace and Reuters. The six additional missions are set to begin in 2029 and will use the Ariane 64 configuration, equipped with four solid rocket boosters.
Expanding internet constellation
Amazon Leo, formerly known as Project Kuiper, is building a network of low Earth orbit satellites to provide broadband connection. The service aims to compete with other commercial constellations, especially SpaceX’s Starlink.
Arianespace has already launched approximately 100 Amazon satellites across three Ariane 6 missions this year. The increase in the order shows that the company intends to maintain a multi-provider launch strategy, reducing reliance on a single rocket.
The expansion also responds to the need to accelerate network deployment. Constellation projects must meet regulatory milestones regarding the number of satellites deployed into operation within specific deadlines.
Boost for the European program
The contract represents a major commercial boost for the Ariane 6. Developed to replace the Ariane 5, the rocket is considered strategic to ensuring Europe independent access to space, but faces intense competition from US launchers.
The Ariane 64 variant features four strap-on boosters and a higher payload capacity to low Earth orbit. This profile allows carrying large batches of satellites in a single mission, an essential feature for networks like Amazon Leo.
With the new order, the launcher’s manifest gains predictability into the early part of the next decade. Early flight bookings help support the European industrial supply chain and increase the production cadence, one of the program’s main challenges.
Competitive launch market
Amazon has also contracted missions with United Launch Alliance, Blue Origin, and SpaceX. Supplier diversity reduces the risk of delays caused by technical failures, rocket unavailability, or launch site constraints.
The strengthened partnership comes during a period of limited heavy-lift vehicle availability in the Western market. The retirement of the Atlas V and the schedules of new rockets have heightened the importance of securing launch slots in advance.
For Arianespace, the six additional missions serve as a vote of commercial confidence in the Ariane 6. For Amazon, they expand options to stay on schedule with its constellation. The launches, however, remain subject to satellite production, rocket availability, and regulatory licensing.
Sources: Reuters and Arianespace.
