By The Numbers: A look at European rocket Ariane 64's maiden launch

Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket is set to make a powerful debut with a new equipment configuration as it flies with four boosters and carries Amazon’s internet satellites. The launch on Thursday will take place at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Ariane 64 uses extra boosters to lift much heavier loads than previously achieved into low Earth orbit. The Ariane 6 program has logged five successful flights since July 2024, all with two boosters. This mission is the first with a commercial customer. The rocket is expected to release 32 Amazon Leo satellites during a planned flight of one hour and 54 minutes.