Ariane 6 readies to launch 36 Amazon Leo craft
June 17, 2026

By Chris Forrester



Ariane 6, an Arianespace rocket, is due to place 36 satellites into orbit today (June 17th) from the Kourou Spaceport in French Guiana. There had been concerns that a local strike, where the launch site entrances were barricaded by the Union of Guyanese Workers, might impact the launch, but the strike ended on June 16th.

Launch time is 08:53–09:22 local time (12:53–13:22 BST, 13:53–14:22 CEST) and it will be even more powerful than previous launches due to the rocket being equipped with boosters based on the upgraded P160C motor.


Ariane 6 is the latest generation of Europe’s largest and most powerful rocket. Its next flight, VA269, will fly with four boosters based on the P160C motor, offering 14 tonnes more solid propellant per booster, compared to the P120C motors used so far. The Ariane 6 will launch 36 satellites for Amazon Leo the third flight for the communications constellation.

The heavy-lift rocket debuted in 2024 with two boosters based on the P120C motor. During its sixth launch in February, Ariane 6 flew for the first time with four boosters.

Now, this latest launch will see the debut of four new boosters based on the P160C rocket motor with more propellant. Although this will be the most powerful Ariane 6 so far, more upgrades are in preparation so more is still to come.