Swedish Space Technology in Focus as Ariane 64 is Launched

On Thursday, 12 February, the first launch of Europe's most powerful launch vehicle, Ariane 64, was conducted. Onboard are 32 satellites that will be integrated into Amazon's satellite-based broadband network Amazon Leo, marking the beginning of a series of 18 planned missions until 2029.

Today, the first launch of Ariane 64 was conducted from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Ariane 64 is the most powerful version of Europe's new launch vehicle Ariane 6 and is equipped with four boosters. This is according to a press release from GKN Aerospace, which has participated in the Ariane programme.

Onboard are 32 satellites that will be placed in low Earth orbit for Amazon's satellite-based broadband network Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper), and the launch marks the start of a series of a total of 18 planned Ariane 6 missions between 2026 and 2029 to expand the constellation.

Ariane 6 comes in two versions: Ariane 62 with two boosters and Ariane 64 with four. The latter, currently in focus, is intended for heavier payloads and can transport over 20 tonnes to orbit, depending on the mission profile. The rocket is developed to strengthen Europe's independent access to space and meet the growing global demand for satellite launches. The number of active satellites in orbit today is approximately 11,000 and is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades.

Several European companies contribute key components to Ariane 64, including Beyond Gravity in Linköping (southern Sweden), which has developed a modular dispenser system used for the first time on Ariane 6. The system is responsible for separating the satellites and placing them in the correct position at the right time in orbit.

GKN Aerospace is responsible for the development and production of the rocket's nozzle and turbine components for the engines, parts that are crucial for generating the thrust required to leave Earth's gravity.

The mission will last a total of 1 hour and 54 minutes, from launch to the separation of all satellites, according to a press release from Arianespace.