When Amazon needed a ride, Europe's Ariane 6 rocket delivered the goods. The Ariane 64 rocket, with an extended payload shroud, carried 32 Amazon Leo satellites, totaling around 20 metric tons or 44,000 pounds, close to its maximum lift capacity. This launch marks Amazon's 214th production satellite, with 8 missions involving United Launch Alliance, SpaceX, and Arianespace. Amazon plans to launch over 3,200 satellites, competing with SpaceX's Starlink Internet network, which currently has 9,000 satellites beaming broadband to 9 million subscribers. Amazon initially bypassed SpaceX for its launch partners, opting for ULA's Atlas V, Blue Origin's New Glenn, and Europe's Ariane 6 for its remaining 2022 missions. While all three rockets faced delays, Ariane 6 has the fastest launch cadence, with six flights after Thursday's mission from French Guiana. However, a malfunction with a Vulcan launcher's solid rocket booster raises questions about Amazon's first ride on this rocket. Meanwhile, Blue Origin, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is set for its third New Glenn rocket flight from Florida, with an undisclosed launch date for Amazon Leo satellites.
