Amazon Leo (LE-04): Ariane 64 Launch Set for Oct 7, 2026

Amazon Leo (LE-04) is a broadband satellite deployment mission scheduled to launch on an Ariane 64 Block 2 rocket, operated by Arianespace, no earlier than October 7, 2026, at 00:00 UTC. It will lift off from Ariane Launch Area 4 at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana.

Amazon Leo is Amazon's low Earth orbit broadband constellation, formerly known as Project Kuiper, designed to deliver high-speed internet to underserved regions worldwide. The Ariane 64 is the heavy-lift variant of Europe's Ariane 6 rocket, flying with four solid-rocket boosters.

When is the launch?

The current launch target is October 7, 2026, 00:00 UTC. The status is listed as TBD, meaning the date and time may shift as the mission approaches. This flight is designated LE-04, part of a multi-launch campaign Amazon has contracted with Arianespace to build out its constellation.

What is the payload?

The mission carries a batch of Amazon Leo broadband satellites bound for low Earth orbit. Amazon has stated it plans to deploy more than 3,200 satellites to form the full constellation, with initial service targeting large parts of the globe. Amazon holds a U.S. Federal Communications Commission authorization requiring it to deploy roughly half of its constellation on a defined schedule, driving a high launch cadence across multiple providers including Arianespace.

The Ariane 64's large fairing and heavy-lift capacity make it well suited to carrying dozens of flat-packed broadband satellites per flight, complementing Amazon's launch contracts with other vehicles.

Why the Ariane 64?

The Ariane 64 is the most powerful configuration of the Ariane 6 family, using four P120C solid boosters alongside its Vulcain 2.1 core stage and a restartable Vinci upper stage. That reignitable upper stage lets Arianespace precisely place satellites into their target orbital planes, a key requirement for building out an evenly distributed megaconstellation.

Arianespace, headquartered in France, has launched from the Guiana Space Centre for decades. The near-equatorial location of Kourou provides an efficient boost for many orbital destinations.

How to watch live

Arianespace typically streams its launches via official webcast, beginning shortly before liftoff. Check the rocket launch schedule on Cosmik for the confirmed webcast link and any changes to the launch time as October 7 approaches.

You can also follow the mission in real time on the Cosmik 3D live solar-system and satellite map, then watch the newly deployed Amazon Leo satellites appear in orbit after separation.

• Rocket: Ariane 64 Block 2 (four solid boosters)
• Operator: Arianespace
• Spaceport: Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana
• Constellation goal: 3,200+ satellites

What orbit will the satellites reach?

Amazon Leo satellites operate in low Earth orbit, at altitudes chosen to balance latency and coverage. Once deployed, the satellites raise their orbits to operational altitude using onboard propulsion before entering service. The precise deployment orbit for LE-04 will be confirmed by Arianespace closer to launch.

Launch data for this mission is sourced from The Space Devs Launch Library. For more coverage of upcoming missions, see the latest launch news on Cosmik.

Follow the launch on Cosmik

Track Amazon Leo (LE-04) and the entire Ariane 6 launch campaign live on Cosmik. Enable free launch alerts so you never miss liftoff, then watch the deployed satellites join the constellation on our real-time 3D map.