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Amazon placed new rocket launch orders with Europe's Ariane program, providing a commercial boost to the continent's space industry as governments push for greater sovereign launch capabilities. The deal comes as European space companies seek to close a competitive gap with U.S. rivals such as SpaceX. The agreement underscores Amazon's continued investment in satellite and launch infrastructure to support its space ambitions, while giving Ariane a notable commercial customer amid intensifying global competition in the launch market.