Amazon Leverages Europe’s Ariane 6 Rocket for Critical Launch
The Ariane 6 rocket successfully conducted a flight carrying 32 Amazon Leo satellites, emphasizing Europe’s role in space logistics. The mission, executed by Arianespace, utilized an extended payload shroud to accommodate nearly 20 metric tons, or approximately 44,000 pounds, of satellite freight. This launch neared the maximum lifting capability of the Ariane 6.
Amazon Leo’s Expansive Plans
Amazon has secured over 100 launches across four different providers to establish an extensive fleet, totaling more than 3,200 satellites. So far, the Amazon Leo program has seen 214 production satellites launched over eight missions, partnering with United Launch Alliance (ULA), SpaceX, and now Arianespace.
Competition with Starlink
- Amazon Leo aims to compete directly with SpaceX’s Starlink.
- SpaceX currently operates over 9,000 satellites, serving more than 9 million subscribers.
Unlike SpaceX, Amazon initially opted not to partner with them for satellite launches. The company selected ULA for the final nine launches on its soon-to-be-retired Atlas V rocket, completing five of those missions so far. Amazon has also committed to 38 flights with ULA’s new Vulcan rocket, 24 with Blue Origin’s New Glenn, and 18 with the Ariane 6.
Ariane 6 Launch Cadence
The Ariane 6 has demonstrated an impressive launch cadence with six flights completed. This rapid deployment surpasses ULA’s Vulcan, which has flown four times. Despite setbacks, Amazon expects its first batch of Leo satellites for the Vulcan to be launched soon.
However, ongoing concerns arise from recent malfunctions observed in Vulcan’s solid rocket boosters, complicating the timeline for Amazon’s initial ride on this particular rocket. Conversely, Blue Origin, founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, is preparing for its third New Glenn launch from Florida in the near future, although no release date for the first Amazon Leo satellites on this rocket has been announced.
