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Defence and space

First four-booster Ariane 64 launches 32 Amazon Leo satellites from Kourou

Arianespace flew the four-booster Ariane 64 for the first time (mission VA267/LE-01), lifting 32 Amazon Leo satellites to about 465 km. The variant carries some 20 tonnes, twice the two-booster Ariane 62, the first of 18 Ariane 6 launches booked for Amazon's constellation.

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Verified Arianespace, 12 February 2026

What it does not test. This does not show Ariane 6 is cost-competitive with SpaceX, nor does it give Europe any control over the Amazon-owned payload itself.

How this item counts. Towards autonomy: it changes who operates. Binding 3 of 3 (in force or operating), scale 3 of 3 (large), Verified counts in full: weight +9 of 36 possible. First 4-booster Ariane 64 flight proves heavier EU launch capability; payload is Amazon's. European Sovereignty Index

Previously in Defence and space

Verified UK publishes GBP7.8 billion Space Strategy to 2030 Reported US firm AvL Technologies wins USD31 million satellite terminal deal for Poland Verified Sweden approves SEK 7 billion HIMARS buy, signs rocket artillery pact with Finland

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