Amazon Leo prepares to launch 40 broadband satellites with ULA

Amazon Leo is preparing to launch 40 broadband satellites into low Earth orbit on November 13th, aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan rocket.

Named Leo Vulcan 01, the mission marks Amazon Leo's first launch using ULA's Vulcan rocket and the largest satellite payload delivered by the programme to date.

The launch is the first of 38 missions contracted with ULA, which will collectively carry more than 1,500 satellites into orbit for Amazon. The company also has launch agreements with Arianespace, Blue Origin and SpaceX as it works towards building its global satellite broadband constellation.

To support the increased launch frequency, Amazon has invested in new infrastructure at Cape Canaveral, including a dedicated Vertical Integration Facility and a mobile launch platform. These developments will allow ULA to prepare two Vulcan missions simultaneously, reducing turnaround times between launches.

The next mission, LV-02, is already in preparation and could follow within weeks of the inaugural flight.

Amazon Leo has also confirmed that it has completed the construction of more than 1,000 satellites, which are currently awaiting launch.

The Vulcan rocket will use an optimised version of its Centaur V upper stage and a six-booster configuration to maximise payload capacity. Amazon expects Vulcan to become a key launch vehicle for deploying almost half of its first-generation satellite constellation.

A further Amazon Leo launch using Europe's Ariane 6 rocket, operated by Arianespace, is scheduled for around November 23rd.

The developments mark another step in Amazon's efforts to expand its satellite broadband infrastructure and compete in the growing low Earth orbit connectivity market.