Arianespace’s Ariane 64 rocket stands at the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana ahead of the launch of the Leo Europe 03 mission for Amazon Leo. Image: Arianespace

Arianespace is preparing to launch its largest and heaviest payload to date on a version of its Ariane 6 rocket that incorporates new solid rocket boosters.

The mission is designated VA269 by Arianespace and Leo Europe 03 (LE-03) by Amazon. It will send 36 Amazon Leo broadband internet satellites into low Earth orbit.

This is the third of 18 Ariane 6 flights booked by Amazon Leo to deploy its constellation and follows successful flights in February and April.

“We have both institutional and commercial clients and our main and biggest client today is Amazon. And I must say, we are very proud to work together,” said David Cavaillolès, CEO of Arianespace, during a pre-launch press briefing. “For me, it’s much more than a contract. It’s really a partnership.”