Arianespace Ariane 64 Targets Amazon Leo Launch in November

Arianespace is preparing the Ariane 64 configuration for the VA271 mission to deploy Amazon Leo satellites from the Guiana Space Center. The launch campaign is underway at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, with satellite stack and launcher components being progressively integrated ahead of a liftoff targeted for no earlier than November 23, 2026. Arianespace announced the campaign's status on October 14, 2026.

Launch vehicle and configuration details

The mission will use the Ariane 64 variant equipped with four advanced P160C solid-propellant boosters. This flight marks the fourth overall for the Ariane 64 configuration and will be its second mission to use this specific four-booster setup.

Mission designation and timing

Designated VA271 by Arianespace and LE-04 (Leo Europe 04) by Amazon, the launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 23, 2026. A final launch window will be set closer to the mission date.

Payload and deployment

The payload consists of 36 Amazon Leo satellites. The mission is expected to last approximately two hours and four minutes from liftoff to final satellite deployment. If successful, this launch will bring the total number of Amazon Leo satellites deployed by Arianespace to 136.

Program context and milestones

This launch is the tenth flight of Ariane 6 overall and the fourth Arianespace mission for the Amazon Leo constellation in 2026. It is part of a broader 24-launch agreement between Arianespace and Amazon. In September 2026, that partnership was strengthened when Amazon announced an order for six additional Ariane 64 launches.

Arianespace stated, "VA271 will mark another milestone in Ariane 6's operational ramp-up, further demonstrating its ability to support large-scale satellite constellation deployments." The company also noted the mission is part of a partnership "recently further strengthened by an order for six additional Ariane 64 launches."

Amazon Leo is the company's low Earth orbit satellite network designed to deliver internet connectivity. This mission represents Arianespace's 363rd launch overall. Ariane 6's inaugural flight occurred in July 2024, with previous missions deploying payloads for European institutional customers including the French Armed Forces, Eumetsat, and the Copernicus and Galileo programs. The launch campaign continues at the Guiana Space Center, with final preparations progressing toward liftoff.