What Happened
Upgraded Rocket Demonstrates Increased Payload Capacity
An Ariane 6 rocket with upgraded solid rocket boosters successfully launched 36 Amazon Leo broadband satellites into low Earth orbit. The mission, designated VA269 by Arianespace, was the third Ariane 6 launch this year and the first to use the upgraded boosters, which increased the rocket’s payload capacity. Amazon has 16 more launches with Arianespace under contract, and the company is considering further improvements to the Ariane 6 to increase its performance. This launch was reported by SpaceNews.