Guiana Space Centre
French Guiana
The Guiana Space Centre (CSG), located near Kourou in French Guiana, is a premier European spaceport operational since 1968. Its strategic position close to the equator allows for efficient launches into geostationary and near-equatorial orbits, leveraging Earth's rotation to reduce fuel consumption. Managed by CNES and owned by the European Space Agency, the site hosts launches operated by Arianespace using rockets such as Ariane 6, Vega, and previously Soyuz-2. The complex includes advanced facilities like the Ariane 5 final assembly building, the Vega launch pad, and the Jupiter Mission Control Centre. The spaceport's location adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean enhances safety by minimizing risk to populated areas. Over the decades, the centre has been vital for European space ambitions, supporting commercial, governmental, and scientific missions, including the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope. The site is expanding with the reactivation of the ALD/ELM multi-launcher pad to accommodate new microlaunchers. It also plays a significant economic role in French Guiana, employing a notable fraction of the local workforce.
Tip: Visitors interested in the Guiana Space Centre should plan their visit around scheduled launches for the most exciting experience. Booking tours or tickets in advance is recommended, as access is controlled and sometimes limited. The region's tropical climate suggests visiting outside the rainy season for better conditions. Discounts may be available for groups or educational visits. Note that some areas are restricted for safety and security reasons, so guided tours provide the best access and insights.
Interesting facts
- •The Guiana Space Centre is located just 5 degrees north of the equator, making it one of the most efficient launch sites globally due to Earth's rotational velocity.
- •It can send payloads of over 10,000 kg to geostationary transfer orbit, outperforming many other spaceports.
- •The centre hosts launches for multiple rocket types including Ariane, Vega, and formerly Soyuz-2 rockets.
- •The launch pad originally built for the Diamant rocket in 1969 is being reactivated for new microlaunchers, reflecting the site's evolving role.
- •The centre's location next to the Atlantic Ocean ensures rocket debris falls into the sea, enhancing safety for nearby communities.
History
Selected in 1964 to replace France's former launch site in Algeria after its independence, the Guiana Space Centre was inaugurated in 1968 to support French and European rocket launches.
It became the primary launch base for the European Space Agency in the 1970s, facilitating the development and deployment of Ariane rockets.
Over the decades, the centre has evolved with new launch pads and facilities, adapting to technological advances and expanding commercial space activities.
Notably, in 2017, the centre experienced a temporary occupation during social unrest in French Guiana, leading to a government relief plan.
Recent years have seen the addition of Ariane 6 infrastructure and plans to support emerging microlauncher companies.
Place Guide
Ariane 5 Final Assembly Building1990s
This facility is where the Ariane 5 rockets are assembled and prepared for launch, showcasing advanced aerospace engineering and integration processes.
Vega Launch Pad2012
A dedicated launch pad for the Vega rocket, designed for lighter payloads, operational since 2012 and supporting scientific and commercial missions.
Jupiter Mission Control Centre2010s
The command centre responsible for monitoring and controlling launches, including notable missions like the James Webb Space Telescope launch in 2021.
ALD/ELM Multi-launcher Launch Complex1969 (original), reactivated from 2019
Originally built in 1969 for the Diamant rocket, this launch pad is being reactivated to serve multiple new microlauncher companies, reflecting the centre's modernization.
Contact
Phone: 0594 33 77 77
