The most powerful version of Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket blasted off Thursday carrying 32 satellites for the Amazon Leo network, which aims to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink.
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The Ariane 64 — named after its four boosters — made its maiden launch from the European spaceport in Kourou.
US firm Amazon, founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos, is the main commercial partner for the Ariane 6 despite the latter being touted as a symbol of European sovereignty in the sector.
The Ariane 6 programme is backed by 13 nations, all members of the European Space Agency. Thursday’s mission is set to place 32 Amazon Leo satellites into orbit.
