VA267: Amazon Leo on the starting blocks!

The VA267 mission will mark the inauguration of the most powerful version of Ariane 6. With its four boosters, Ariane 64 is highly flexible and able to launch more than 20 tonnes into low Earth orbit (LEO). This configuration will unveil Ariane 6's new capabilities, including the possibility of multi-orbit deployments, ideal for orbiting large constellations such as Amazon Leo.

The Amazon Leo initiative is designed, like Starlink, to provide fast, reliable broadband access to Amazon customers and communities around the world, even in areas that do not currently have access to traditional internet and communication options or have poor coverage.

To achieve this goal, Amazon will deploy thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit connected to a global network of antennas, fibre optics and ground-based internet connection points.

The constellation will comprise some 3,200 satellites on various orbital planes. They will be deployed in clusters, with each launch positioning several satellites on the orbital planes intended for the constellation.

VA267 will be the first of 18 launches planned for Amazon Leo.