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title: Amazon’s LEO unit deploys largest payload yet, lifts satellite count to 200 - Developing Telecoms
description: Amazon’s satellite connectivity arm Leo has launched its largest payload to date, expanding its low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellation to 200 satellites as it ramps up competition with SpaceX’s Starlink.
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 [Satellite Networks](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-technology/satellite-communications-networks.html)## Amazon’s LEO unit deploys largest payload yet, lifts satellite count to 200

 

 

  ![Amazon’s LEO unit deploys largest payload yet, lifts satellite count to 200](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/800x600/Amazon-Leo-Payload-1200x900.jpg)  

 

Amazon’s satellite connectivity arm Leo has launched its largest payload to date, expanding its low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellation to 200 satellites as it ramps up competition with SpaceX’s Starlink.

In a statement, Amazon said Leo - formerly known as Project Kuiper - completed its first heavy-lift mission, defined as payloads exceeding 20,000kg, aboard Arianespace’s Ariane 5 rocket on February 12. The launch took place at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. Satellite deployment began around 90 minutes into the mission, with them being released sequentially over a 25-minute window.

Arianespace CEO David Cavaillolès said the mission marks the start of a planned series of 18 launches to strengthen Leo’s constellation. The first mission has been designated Leo Europe 01 (LE-01).

Rajeev Badyal, Vice President of Amazon Leo, described the launch as the company’s first of 2026 and its inaugural mission with Arianespace under an 18-launch agreement. He added that the use of heavy-lift vehicles will allow more satellites to be deployed per mission, accelerating the rollout of services to customers.

 

 

   
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