Amazon deploys 32 satellites in orbit for internet, French President Emmanuel Macron says ‘package delivered’
Amazon has successfully completed its first heavy-lift mission of 2026, marking a major milestone for both the tech giant and European space efforts. The Ariane 64 rocket lifted off from French Guiana, carrying 32 new satellites for Amazon’s growing internet constellation. Amazon is the second major company after Elon Musk’s SpaceX that is working to deploy satellites in space to provide fast, reliable high-speed internet to people worldwide who live beyond the reach of traditional cable or fiber networks.The mission, dubbed Leo Europe 01 (LE-01), is the first of 18 planned launches between Amazon and Arianespace, the company said. This launch brings Amazon’s total satellite count to over 200 spacecraft. The company said that Amazon plans to begin rolling out internet services to customers later in 2026 with initial service scheduled to start in the far northern and southern parts of the world.Panos Panay, who leads Amazon’s devices and services business, said: “Congrats to the @Amazonleo and @Arianespace teams! 🚀 LE-01 successfully deployed 32 satellites on our first Ariane 6 mission. Our biggest payload yet, and just the start of our 2026 heavy lift campaigns. So proud.”
Why this launch was big for Amazon and Europe
The LE-01 mission is the first time the Ariane 6 rocket launched with four boosters, making it the most powerful launcher currently available in Europe. Moreover, Amazon’s partnership with Arianespace is the largest commercial contract in the launch provider’s history.French President Emmanuel Macron celebrated the event on social media, declaring, “Amazon, your package has been delivered,” while hailing the launch as a “European success.”“Amazon, your package has been delivered. Ariane 6 has lifted off for the first time with four boosters, making it our most powerful European launcher!” Macron said. “On board: 32 satellites for Amazon’s constellation. Amazon chose Europe for this major launch. A French feat, a European success: we’re reaching new heights. Congratulations to the teams,” the President added.
