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Ariane 64 Set for Maiden Launch on Feb. 12 to Deploy 32 Amazon Leo Satellites

The mission showcases Europe’s push for independent access to orbit through a more powerful Ariane 6 configuration.

A mechanic works on the Vulcain 2.1 engine that powers the Ariane 64 rocket, at the ArianeGroup's plant in Vernon, west of Paris, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
A partial view of assembly line of the Ariane 64 rocket, in Les Mureaux, west of Paris, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
A partial view of assembly line of the Ariane 64 rocket, in Les Mureaux, west of Paris, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
A Vulcain 2.1 engine that powers the Ariane 64 rocket is seen at the ArianeGroup's plant in Vernon, west of Paris, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Overview

  • Lift‑off from Kourou, French Guiana, is scheduled for Feb. 12 with a window from 16:45 to 17:13 GMT.
  • This sixth Ariane 6 flight is the first using four boosters and is planned to release 32 satellites to low‑Earth orbit over roughly 114 minutes.
  • The four‑booster setup doubles performance versus the two‑booster version, enabling about 21.6 tonnes to LEO, with the boosters burning through 142,000 kg of propellant in just over two minutes.
  • The mission uses the long 20‑meter fairing, making the launcher 62 meters tall and the tallest Ariane 6 flown to date.
  • The program draws on 13 ESA member nations and 600+ suppliers, with ArianeGroup as prime contractor, CNES managing the range, and Arianespace providing launch services as reusability work progresses.