Amazon Leo adds six Ariane 64 launches to Arianespace order

(SpaceEnergy) Amazon Leo has ordered six additional Ariane 64 launches from Arianespace, expanding its contracted commitment from 18 to 24 missions, with the additional flights beginning in 2029.

The agreement, announced at the International Space Summit in Paris, extends launches through 2031 from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. Arianespace said the additional order gives it greater long-term visibility and supports the continued ramp-up of Ariane 6 launch capacity.

Arianespace has launched 100 Amazon Leo satellites on three Ariane 6 missions in 2026. The most recent flight, VA269/LE-03 on 17 June, used upgraded P160C solid boosters developed by ArianeGroup, increasing Ariane 64 payload capacity by up to two tonnes.

The additional missions therefore represent a material commercial commitment to Europe’s heavy-lift launch and propulsion infrastructure, supporting production and utilisation of Ariane 64 and its solid-booster propulsion system as constellation deployment expands.

“Long-term commitments from customers such as Amazon Leo support the ramp-up of Ariane 6 and strengthen our business model,” Arianespace chief executive David Cavaillolès said.

Financial terms were not disclosed.