Amazon Leo, Amazon's satellite unit, and Arianespace added six Ariane 64 launches.
Why it matters: The expanded order gives Arianespace more commercial work as Europe seeks greater launch independence. It also deepens Amazon's launch ties with a European provider for its satellite constellation.
- Arianespace and Amazon Leo announced the new deal on Sept. 9, 2026.
- The extra six launches lift the Amazon Leo-Arianespace contract from 18 to 24 missions.
- The new missions are set to begin in 2029 and will launch from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
- Amazon said the additional boosters increase Ariane 6 payload capacity by up to two metric tons.
Arianespace said Amazon Leo will add six more Ariane 64 launches, extending a contract that previously covered 18 missions. The companies said the new launches will start in 2029 and fly from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
Arianespace chief executive David Cavaillolès said the expansion reflects Amazon Leo’s confidence in Ariane 6 and its performance. He said the added launches strengthen the partnership around the rocket program.
Amazon said in its newsroom post that the extra boosters on Ariane 64 increase payload capacity by up to two metric tons. The company said it uses a multi-provider launch strategy and has secured more than 80 launches overall for its low-Earth-orbit constellation. Amazon outlined the expansion in its own announcement.
The agreement builds on earlier Ariane 6 launches carrying Amazon Leo satellites. Arianespace said it has already placed 100 Amazon Leo satellites into orbit on three Ariane 6 missions in less than five months in 2026. ESA said an Ariane 6 flight on June 17 carried 36 Amazon Leo satellites. ESA said the flight set a record for the launcher.
By the numbers
- 24 - total Ariane 64 missions in the Amazon Leo-Arianespace agreement after the new order
- 6 - additional Ariane 64 launches added to the contract
- 100 - Amazon Leo satellites placed into orbit on three Ariane 6 missions in less than five months of 2026
Yes, but: Amazon said it has secured more than 80 launches overall for its constellation, which is broader than the Arianespace contract alone.
What's next: The new Ariane 64 missions are scheduled to begin in 2029.