The American SLS rocket with the Artemis II mission to the moon has taken a break until March, first in the spring a new generation of even slightly larger Starship will fly at the same time, and so good old Europe is once again asking for the floor.
If everything goes according to plan, Europe’s largest rocket will launch for the first time on Thursday shortly before six in the afternoon Ariane 64L (mise LE-01 / VA267).
Commented live broadcast in Czech:
- What flies: The first launch of the Ariane 64L rocket
- What time does it fly: February 12, 17:45 CET (earliest)
- Where it flies from: European Spaceport in French Guiana
- Charakter bets: Delivery of 32 Amazon Leo satellites into low orbit
- Original broadcast in English: Arianespace na YouTube
Ariane 64 has more payload than Falcon 9 FT, but…
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This is the good old Ariane 6, but in a heavy configuration with four boosters (Ariane 6 + 4) and with an extended cargo hood (L).
All missions so far have been in mode 62 with a pair of side boosters. With four, Šetka can already carry up to 21.5 tons of cargo into low orbit, which is about a quarter more than the Falcon 9 FT.
However, its operation is much more economical thanks to the reusability of the first stage. In the mode without booster return, it even surpasses the European Ariane by another ton.
There will be 32 Amazon Leo satellites on board
However, the important thing is that the Ariane 64L with the extended hood can carry not only more tons, but also a more voluminous load, which will be 32 Amazon Leo satellite internet satellites during Thursday’s flight.
Ariane 62 vs 64L
It will be a premiere for Ariane, and Amazon will also be a key customer in the coming months and years, as it has ordered a total of eighteen launches from Europe.
Although European rockets are more expensive due to the lack of recycling, there is probably not enough capacity available on the scene with Elon Musk’s falcons to ensure all the demand.
Anything with a motor is flown
With a bit of exaggeration, really anything with a rocket engine and accessibility to orbit, so Amazon also flies Atlas rockets, is preparing for their successor Vulcan and has not ruled out the Falcon 9, which launches the rival Starlink.
At this rate, we should hopefully finally see the first limited operation of the Leo satellite internet itself this year.
date:2026-02-11 06:43:00