On April 30, 2026, at 10:57 AM Italian time, the second Ariane 64, the heavy-lift version of the Ariane 6 launcher equipped with four solid-propellant side boosters, lifted off from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
Onboard the rocket were 32 Amazon Leo satellites from Amazon, destined for low Earth orbit. This was the second launch entrusted to Ariane 64 for the deployment of this constellation, following the successful maiden flight on February 12, 2026. The mission was designated VA268 and referred to by Amazon as LE-02 (Leo Europe 02). The satellite deployment occurred successfully in a sequence that began approximately an hour and a half after liftoff and concluded just under two hours later.
This launch occurred just two days after the LA-06 mission on April 28, which utilized a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket to place another 29 satellites into orbit.
Another Successful Flight for Ariane 64
The Ariane 64 configuration represents the heaviest variant in the Ariane 6 class. Featuring four solid-propellant side boosters, it is designed for missions with high or multiple payloads, such as the deployment of large constellations in low Earth orbit.
During the VA268 flight, the rocket carried the 32 satellites within a 20-meter fairing, one of the launcher’s distinctive features. This capability allows for the accommodation of voluminous payloads and complex deployment configurations. The mission profile involved a progressive release of the satellites, which will then autonomously reach their operational altitude from an initial orbit.
Several Ariane 6 launches are scheduled for 2026, though it remains unclear how many will utilize the 64 configuration compared to the lighter Ariane 62 version.
This mission is part of an agreement with Amazon that includes 18 dedicated launches for Amazon Leo.
Over 300 Amazon Leo Satellites Now in Orbit
With the successful completion of the VA268 mission, the Amazon Leo constellation has reached a total of 302 satellites in low Earth orbit. Just two days prior, the LA-06 mission had brought the total to 270 units.
Amazon’s program aims to deploy over 3,000 satellites, positioned at altitudes between approximately 590 and 630 km, with the objective of providing high-speed internet connectivity to areas underserved by terrestrial infrastructure. Despite recent acceleration, the constellation remains significantly behind competitors like Starlink in terms of deployed numbers.
The next launch will be mission LA-07, also utilizing an Atlas V, scheduled for May 22, which will place an additional 29 satellites into orbit. Amazon continues to diversify its launch providers, including rockets such as Falcon 9 and New Glenn. The strategy is to increase launch frequency to accelerate global coverage, but the pace required to complete the constellation remains high and presents a significant challenge.
