Amazon’s satellite connectivity arm Leo has launched its largest payload to date, expanding its low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellation to 200 satellites as it ramps up competition with SpaceX’s Starlink.
In a statement, Amazon said Leo - formerly known as Project Kuiper - completed its first heavy-lift mission, defined as payloads exceeding 20,000kg, aboard Arianespace’s Ariane 5 rocket on February 12. The launch took place at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. Satellite deployment began around 90 minutes into the mission, with them being released sequentially over a 25-minute window.
Arianespace CEO David Cavaillolès said the mission marks the start of a planned series of 18 launches to strengthen Leo’s constellation. The first mission has been designated Leo Europe 01 (LE-01).
Rajeev Badyal, Vice President of Amazon Leo, described the launch as the company’s first of 2026 and its inaugural mission with Arianespace under an 18-launch agreement. He added that the use of heavy-lift vehicles will allow more satellites to be deployed per mission, accelerating the rollout of services to customers.
