When Amazon badly needed a ride, Europe's Ariane 6 rocket delivered

Here's something that caught my attention — Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket just stepped up in a big way. It launched for the first time with its full power, carrying 32 Amazon satellites into orbit. ((slower)) Stephen Clark, writing in Technology, reports that the launch from the Guiana Space Center was a smooth success, with the rocket’s hydrogen engine and four solid boosters delivering over 3.4 million pounds of thrust. So what does this mean for Amazon? Well, they needed a reliable ride for their satellite broadband project, and Ariane 6 delivered exactly that, orbiting all 32 satellites precisely as planned. And get this — this configuration, called Ariane 64, is a game-changer because it’s the first time Europe’s rocket used all four boosters together. As Clark highlights, this boost in capacity could shake up the satellite launch scene. Honestly, it’s a big win for Europe’s space ambitions — and for Amazon, it’s a crucial step toward expanding global connectivity.