Maiden flight of Ariane 64 rocket, carrying Amazon Project Kuiper satellites

European launch service Arianespace is poised to make history on Feb. 12 with the maiden flight of its Ariane 64, the most powerful variant of Europe’s next-generation Ariane 6 rocket. From Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, the VA267 mission will carry 32 satellites for Amazon’s Project Kuiper, the company’s ambitious low Earth orbit (LEO) broadband constellation.

Designated LE-01 (Leo Europe 01) by Amazon, this mission marks the first of 18 Ariane 6 launches contracted by the tech giant to deploy its satellite network. It also represents the first time a European launcher has been used for the Project Kuiper constellation.

The Ariane 64, equipped with four solid rocket boosters, is designed for heavy-lift capability, capable of delivering more than 20 metric tons to low Earth orbit.

Longest Fairing

For mission VA267, the rocket will carry the 32 satellites housed within a newly introduced 20-meter-long payload fairing—the longest ever used on an Ariane vehicle. The mission will last approximately one hour and 54 minutes, culminating in the sequential deployment of all satellites into their target orbit.

Amazon’s Project Kuiper

Project Kuiper aims to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband internet to underserved and remote regions worldwide, complementing terrestrial networks and expanding digital access. The initiative is part of a broader global trend toward LEO satellite constellations aimed at bridging the digital divide.

This launch is a milestone for Arianespace and European launch capabilities. As the 359th mission for the company and the first in 2026, VA267 marks the debut of Ariane 6 in its full-power configuration. It is also Arianespace’s first commercial contract for the Ariane 6 program and the first time the launcher will be used by a major U.S. tech company.