Watch Atlas V rocket launch its heaviest-ever payload early on April 4
By Mike Wall
Published on April 3, 2026.
A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket is set to launch its heaviest-ever payload on April 4, with 29 satellites for the Amazon Leo broadband constellation, which together weigh 18 tons. The launch will take place from Florida's coast at 1:45 a.m. EST (0545 GMT) and will be the first of its kind to loft 29 Amazon-specific satellites. The increase in payload is due to a new, higher-performing version of the RL10C engine used on the rocket's Centaur upper stage.
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