Ariane 64 VA268 | Amazon Leo - LE-02 | 30.04.2026

[Orionid]

Informacja prasowa dotycząca 2. startu Ariane 64.

Arianespace to launch another 32 Amazon Leo satellites with Ariane 64 on April 28, 2026
24.03.2026 Press Releases

On April 28, 2026, with the Ariane 64, the most powerful version of Ariane 6, equipped with four boosters, Arianespace will place into orbit another 32 satellites for Amazon Leo.

Amazon Leo is Amazon's low Earth orbit satellite network, whose mission is to deliver fast, reliable internet to customers beyond the reach of existing networks.

The VA268 mission will be the second Ariane 6 launch for Amazon Leo. Designated LE-02 (Leo Europe 02) by Amazon, it will be the second launch for the constellation performed with the European heavy-lift launcher.

With this launch, Ariane 6 will showcase again its full-power capability and its ability to meet the requirements of large-scale constellation deployments.

On April 28, 2026 local time, Arianespace will launch 32 Amazon Leo satellites aboard Ariane 6 in its Ariane 64 configuration from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. The launch window will be announced in the coming weeks.

The mission, called VA268 and LE-02 for Amazon Leo, will mark the second Ariane 6 launch dedicated to the deployment of the Amazon Leo constellation, within a series of 18.

Equipped with four solid rocket boosters, Ariane 64 is the most powerful version of Ariane 6. For this mission, the launcher will carry the 32 satellites under its 20-meter-long fairing and deploy them into low Earth orbit following a mission lasting less than 2 hours from lift-off to separation of the last spacecraft.

The 32 Amazon Leo satellites arrived in Kourou on March 10 and March 12. Meanwhile, the launcher components for VA268 are currently arriving at the port of Pariacabo, the entry point for Ariane launch hardware transported to the Guiana Space Centre aboard the purpose-built vessel Canopée.Their arrival marks the beginning of the VA268 launch campaign, including launcher integration and testing and payload processing ahead of launch.

Amazon Leo is Amazon's low Earth orbit satellite network, whose mission is to deliver fast, reliable internet to customers beyond the reach of existing networks. Through this mission, Arianespace continues to contribute to the expansion of connectivity services worldwide.

VA268 is part of a series of 18 launches entrusted to Arianespace for the deployment of Amazon's constellation, underscoring the long-term partnership between the two organizations.

The VA268 launch at a glance:

360th launch by Arianespace, 2nd Arianespace launch in 2026
7th Ariane 6 launch and 2nd launch of Ariane 64, its most powerful configuration
2nd Arianespace mission for Amazon Leo, within a series of 18
https://newsroom.arianespace.com/arianespace-to-launch-another-32-amazon-leo-satellites-with-ariane-64-on-april-28-2026/

https://x.com/Arianespace/status/2036533587072188673

[Orionid]

2) Satelity dotarły na kosmodrom w Kourou.

Arianespace @Arianespace 7:06 PM · Mar 13, 2026
Second mission. Same ambition.
The @Amazonleo satellites for our next mission, VA268, have now arrived at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, marking a new step in the deployment of the Amazon Leo constellation.

In the coming weeks, Arianespace will begin the launch campaign, from satellite processing to integration on Ariane 6, preparing these payloads for their journey to low Earth orbit.

The VA268 mission, designated LE-02 by Amazon, will fly on Ariane 6 in its four-booster configuration, a powerful setup particularly adapted to support the sustained deployment of large constellations.

This mission is the second of 18 launches planned under our contract with Amazon, reflecting a long-term partnership built on performance, reliability and shared ambition to expand global connectivity from space.

More updates soon from Kourou.
#LaunchingAmbitions@ArianeGroup @esa @CNES @EuropeSpacePort

https://twitter.com/Arianespace/status/2032518557653782676

[Orionid]

Arianespace @Arianespace 4:05 PM · Mar 26, 2026
Let the campaign begin ! 🚀

The launcher campaign for VA268 / LE-02 is now officially underway in French Guiana, while the satellite campaign is progressing in parallel, with the satellites already at the Europe’s spaceport.

After crossing the Atlantic aboard Canopée, the Ariane 6 components, including the main and upper stages, have been delivered to Kourou and will soon be assembled for the next launch in support of Amazon Leo:

VA268 will be the second Ariane 6 mission dedicated to the Amazon Leo constellation, as part of a series of 18 launches.
Ariane 64, the most powerful version of Ariane 6, will once again demonstrate its full capability with its four boosters.
32 satellites will be deployed into low Earth orbit in a mission lasting less than two hours. (1/2)

Arianespace @Arianespace
With both launcher elements and satellites now in Kourou, teams are fully mobilized as preparations accelerate toward launch.
Stay tuned.

https://twitter.com/Arianespace/status/2037184088008728605

[Orionid]

Ariane 6 dotarła na platformę startową.
Centralny stopień RN Ariane 6 został przetransportowany z BAL (Launcher Integration Building) na platformę startową.
Po ustawieniu przed mobilną wieżą startową stopień został podniesiony do pozycji pionowej, co stanowi kluczowy etap w procesie montażu rakiety nośnej.
Operacja ta rozpoczęła końcową fazę montażu na platformie.

Arianespace @Arianespace 7:17 PM · Apr 8, 2026
Mission VA268: Ariane 6 has reached the launch pad.

At Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, the central core of Ariane 6 for mission VA268 has been transferred from the Launcher Integration Building (BAL) to the launch pad.

Once in front of the mobile gantry, the stage was raised to a vertical position, a key milestone in the launcher assembly process.

This operation initiates the final assembly phase on the pad, where Ariane 64, the most powerful version of Ariane 6, will progressively come together.

Scheduled for April 28, 2026, mission VA268 will place 32 @Amazonleo satellites into low Earth orbit, demonstrating once again Ariane 6’s capability to support large-scale constellation deployments.

The campaign is underway.

#LaunchingAmbitions @Amazonleo @ArianeGroup @esa @CNES @EuropeSpacePort

https://twitter.com/Arianespace/status/2041928422243377218

2) 4 boostery na paliwo stałe zostały przetransportowane na platformę startową.
Po zintegrowaniu rakiety te zapewnią ciąg niezbędny do startu, umożliwiając Ariane 64 wyniesienie 32 satelitów Amazon Leo.

Arianespace @Arianespace 4:59 PM · Apr 10, 2026
Mission VA268: Ariane 64 is gaining strength.

At Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, the four solid rocket boosters for mission VA268 have been transferred to the pad, joining the central core of Ariane 6 arrived yesterday.

This milestone marks the progressive assembly of Ariane 64, the most powerful configuration of Ariane 6.

Once integrated, these boosters will provide the thrust required at liftoff, enabling Ariane 64 to deliver 32 Amazon Leo satellites into low Earth orbit.

Scheduled for April 28, 2026, mission VA268 is the second Ariane 6 mission dedicated to the deployment of the Amazon Leo constellation.

All eyes are now on the next steps toward liftoff.
#LaunchingAmbitions @Amazonleo @ArianeGroup @esa @CNES @EuropeSpacePort

https://twitter.com/Arianespace/status/2042618599123124622

3)

Arianespace @Arianespace 8:22 PM · Apr 14, 2026
Mission VA268: The countdown is set. 

The launch window is now confirmed for next Ariane 6 mission, dedicated to the deployment of the @Amazonleo constellation. 

Liftoff is scheduled for April 28, 2026, from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, within the following window: 
- 04:51 a.m. – 05:39 a.m. (Washington, D.C.)
- 05:51 a.m. – 06:39 a.m. (Kourou)
- 08:51 a.m. – 09:39 a.m. (UTC)
- 10:51 a.m. – 11:39 a.m. (Paris) 

In its Ariane 64 configuration, the most powerful version of Ariane 6 will deploy 32 Amazon Leo satellites into low Earth orbit. 

Designated LE-02 by Amazon Leo, this mission will be the second Ariane 6 launch supporting the deployment of the constellation, within a series of 18 launches, contributing to the expansion of connectivity services worldwide. 

The final phase of the launch campaign is now underway.
Stay tuned. 

#LaunchingAmbitions #Ariane6 #VA268
@Amazonleo @ArianeGroup @esa @CNES @EuropeSpacePort

https://twitter.com/Arianespace/status/2044119123932729383

4) Rakieta zyskała wizualną identyfikację.

Arianespace @Arianespace 7:19 PM · Apr 15, 2026
At Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, the payload fairing of Ariane 6 for mission VA268 has received its final visual identity.

Logos and mission markings are carefully applied to the fairing, reflecting the partnership behind the launch and the mission it carries. (1/2)

[Orionid]

Arianespace @Arianespace 7:19 PM · Apr 15, 2026
More than just graphics, these markings symbolize the collaboration between Arianespace and its customers, and the journey ahead for the satellites onboard.

Soon, this fairing will protect the 32 @Amazonleo   satellites during ascent, before releasing them into low Earth orbit.
The final touch… before the journey to space begins.
#LaunchingAmbitions #Ariane6 #VA268
@Amazonleo @ArianeGroup @esa @CNES @EuropeSpacePort (2/2)

https://twitter.com/Arianespace/status/2044465728468709544

2) marketingowy aspekt misji

Arianespace @Arianespace 7:43 PM · Apr 17, 2026
Carry the mission. Discover the VA268 collection.
For mission VA268, Arianespace unveils a selection of products inspired by the mission patch.
T-shirts, sweatshirts and stickers, each item reflects the identity of the mission and the journey ahead for Ariane 6 and the 32 @AmazonLeo satellites onboard.
1/2

More than just merchandise, these pieces embody the spirit of the launch campaign and the collective effort behind it.
As we approach liftoff, VA268 is not only taking shape on the launch pad, it is also becoming part of a shared story.
The VA268 collection is now available here: https://bit.ly/ArianeShop_VA268
#LaunchingAmbitions #Ariane6 #VA268 @ArianeGroup @esa @CNES @EuropeSpacePort
 2/2

https://twitter.com/Arianespace/status/2045196524305461671

[Orionid]

Misja VA268 wkracza w decydującą fazę.
32 satelity Amazon Leo zostały w pełni zamknięte pod osłoną ładunku Ariane 6, a teraz są przenoszone do integracji z RN.

Arianespace @Arianespace
Mission VA268 enters its final stretch.
At Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, the 32 Amazon Leo satellites have been fully encapsulated under Ariane 6’s payload fairing, now being transferred for integration atop the launcher.
This key milestone marks the transition into the final phase of the campaign, as Ariane 64 takes shape on the launch pad ahead of liftoff. (1/2)

2) Kampania przedstartowa wkroczyła w ostateczną fazę weryfikacji, prowadzącą do przeglądu gotowości do startu (Launch Readiness Review).

Arianespace @Arianespace 7:18 PM · Apr 24, 2026
VA268 is the second Ariane 6 mission dedicated to deploying the Amazon Leo constellation, part of a series of 18 launches.
The campaign now moves into its final verification phase, leading up to the Launch Readiness Review.
#LaunchingAmbitions #Ariane6 #VA268 @Amazonleo @ArianeGroup @esa @CNES @EuropeSpacePort

https://x.com/Arianespace/status/2047727639125737506

3)

Arianespace @Arianespace 3:59 PM · Apr 27, 2026
Mission VA268: Everything you need to know about the mission is now available.

As the countdown continues, Arianespace has released the launch kit for its next Ariane 6 mission, VA268.

This mission will see Ariane 64, the most powerful version of Ariane 6, place 32 Amazon Leo satellites into low Earth orbit from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

The launch kit provides detailed insights into:
• The Ariane 6 launcher and its configuration
• The Amazon Leo constellation
• The mission profile and deployment sequence

Scheduled for April 30, 2026, VA268 marks the second Ariane 6 launch dedicated to Amazon Leo, within a series of 18 missions.

From mission details to launch timeline, explore everything behind the upcoming flight: https://newsroom.arianespace.com/ariane-6-flight-va268/

The countdown continues.
#LaunchingAmbitions #Ariane6 #VA268
@Amazonleo @ArianeGroup @esa @CNES @EuropeSpacePort

https://twitter.com/Arianespace/status/2048763863915466951

[Orionid]

Przegląd gotowości startowej LRR (Launch Readiness Review) zakończony.

@Arianespace Arianespace 7:06 PM · Apr 28, 2026
Mission VA268: All systems are ready for launch.
Arianespace has successfully completed the Launch Readiness Review (LRR) for mission VA268.
This final milestone confirms that the launcher, the payload, and all ground systems are ready.
Ariane 64 is now cleared for launch from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
Scheduled for April 30, 2026, the mission will place 32 @Amazonleo satellites into low Earth orbit, marking the second Ariane 6 launch dedicated to the deployment of the constellation.

After months of preparation, the final countdown can begin.

#LaunchingAmbitions #Ariane6 #VA268 @Amazonleo @ArianeGroup @esa @CNES @EuropeSpacePort

https://x.com/Arianespace/status/2049173481258955168

Arianespace @Arianespace Last edited 4:47 PM · Apr 25, 2026
Flight VA268/LE-02: Launch Update

Flight VA268/LE-02 is now scheduled for April 30, 2026, within the following launch window:
- 04:08 – 04:57 (Washington, D.C.)
- 05:08 – 05:57 (Kourou)
- 08:08 – 08:57 (UTC)
- 10:08 – 10:57 (Paris)

Ariane 6 is in the final phase of the launch campaign, with all systems ready to support launch on April 30. Launch preparations are complete and the payload composite, enclosing the 32 Amazon Leo satellites, has been successfully mated atop the launcher.

https://x.com/Arianespace/status/2048051318271455602

[Lion97]

Start Ariane 6 o 10:57 CEST.

[Orionid]

Boostery zostały już oddzielone.

Arianespace @Arianespace 8:11 AM · Apr 30, 2026
The launcher stands revealed. 🚀 VA268 is ready on the pad.

At Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, the mobile gantry has been retracted, unveiling Ariane 6 in its full four-booster configuration for mission VA268.

This key milestone marks a defining moment in the launch campaign, as the launcher now stands on the pad carrying 32 Amazon Leo satellites and entering the final phase before liftoff.

Ariane 64 is now in its launch configuration, with all elements in place as teams prepare for the final countdown ⏳

With liftoff just hours away, the campaign is entering its final moments before launch.

Stay tuned. 👀

#LaunchingAmbitions #Ariane6 #VA268
@Amazonleo @ArianeGroup @esa @CNES @EuropeSpacePort

https://twitter.com/Arianespace/status/2049733397275099554

[Orionid]

Ostatni start orbitalny kwietnia.
https://newsroom.arianespace.com/arianespace-successfully-launches-another-32-amazon-leo-satellites-with-ariane-6/

Arianespace @Arianespace 11:23 AM · Apr 30, 2026
Relive the liftoff of VA268. 🚀

Ariane 6 has successfully lifted off from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, marking a new milestone for Europe’s heavy-lift launcher.

On board, 32 Amazon Leo satellites are now on their way to low Earth orbit, continuing the deployment of the constellation.

From ignition to ascent, this moment captures the intensity, precision and power of liftoff, the result of months of preparation and coordination.

A launch to experience again. ✨

#LaunchingAmbitions #Ariane6 #VA268
@Amazonleo @ArianeGroup @esa @CNES @EuropeSpacePort

https://twitter.com/Arianespace/status/2049781730274418991

Ariane 6 just started to deploy the first of the 32 @Amazonleo satellites.
Your package has arrived! 📦

We have confirmation that the 32 Amazon Leo 32 satellites have been delivered.

https://twitter.com/ESA_transport/status/2049803965512991144

[Lion97]

Druga rakieta Ariane 6 w konfiguracji 64 (A64 VA268) wystrzeliła 32 satelity Amazon Leo (LE-02) z Centrum Kosmicznego w Kourou w Gujanie Francuskiej 30 kwietnia 2026 r. o godz. 08:57 UTC (05:57 czasu lokalnego). To był siódmy start rakiety Ariane 6, drugi w tym roku i 103 próba startu orbitalnego w 2026r. Satelity Amazon Leo wystrzelone dzisiaj zwiększą łączną ich liczbę do 304.

Następną misją Arianespace jest misja Amazon Leo – Leo Europe 3 (LE-03) – która będzie obejmowała wariant Ariane 64 Block 2 o wyższej wydajności z ulepszonymi boosterami P160C, co umożliwi wystrzelenie większej liczby satelitów podczas jednego startu.





https://twitter.com/Arianespace/status/2049821430695555076

[Orionid]

Ariane wyniosła pakiet satelitów
  30.04. o 08:57 z Kourou wystrzelona została RN Ariane-64. Wyniosła ona na orbitę w misji LE-02 32 satelity Amazon Leo.
http://lk.astronautilus.pl/n260416.htm#17

11 startów operacyjnych + 1 testowy.
302 satelity operacyjne i 2 testowe.
Po roku jest to 3. największa konstelacja na orbicie.

Amazon Leo mission updates: 300+ satellites deployed following back-to-back Atlas V, Ariane 6 launches
Last updated: April 30, 2026

Follow along for updates as Amazon Leo launches more than 100 missions to deploy its low Earth orbit satellite internet constellation.

Amazon Leo mission updates: 300+ satellites deployed following back-to-back Atlas V, Ariane 6 launches (...)
https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/innovation-at-amazon/project-kuiper-satellite-rocket-launch-progress-updates