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| # Guiana Space Centre
The **Guiana Space Centre** (French: *Centre spatial guyanais*; **CSG**), also known as **Europe's Spaceport**, is a major spaceport located near **Kourou** in **French Guiana**, an overseas region of **France** in **South America**. Situated approximately **500 kilometres (310 mi; 270 nmi)** north of the equator at a latitude of **5°**, the spaceport has been operational since **1968**. Its proximity to the equator and open sea to the east and north make it an ideal location for space launches, particularly for missions targeting **geostationary orbits**.
The CSG is a collaborative effort involving multiple European entities. The land is managed by the **French national space agency (CNES)**, while the launch infrastructure is owned by the **European Space Agency (ESA)**. **Arianespace**, a private company, oversees launch operations, including mission planning, customer relations, and vehicle integration. Rockets are designed and manufactured by companies such as **ArianeGroup** (for the **Ariane 6**) and **Avio** (for the **Vega**).
## History
The establishment of the Guiana Space Centre in **1964** marked a significant shift in France's space ambitions. Following **Algeria's independence**, France sought a new location for its space activities, replacing the **Centre interarmées d'essais d'engins spéciaux** in **Hammaguir**. French Guiana was chosen for its strategic advantages, including its equatorial proximity and expansive coastal access. In **1975**, France extended an invitation to the **ESA** to share the facilities, with the ESA now covering **two-thirds** of the spaceport's budget. The CSG has since become a hub for both **commercial and governmental launches**, serving clients worldwide.
The spaceport has not been without its challenges. In **April 2017**, during the **2017 social unrest in French Guiana**, the centre was occupied by **labour unions** and **indigenous leaders**, halting operations. The French government's response included an **emergency relief plan** of up to **€2.1 billion**, which facilitated the resumption of activities later that month.
## Facilities
The Guiana Space Centre's location was selected based on several critical factors:
1. **Proximity to the Equator**: Launching near the equator provides a significant advantage for missions targeting **geostationary orbits**, as it reduces the energy required to achieve the necessary velocity.
2. **Open Sea Access**: The eastern and northern coastal access minimizes risks to populated areas from potential launch failures or debris.
3. **Earth's Rotational Benefit**: Rockets launched eastward leverage **Earth's rotation**, gaining additional velocity. The CSG's near-equatorial position allows launches with inclinations as low as **6°**, compared to higher latitudes like **Cape Canaveral Space Force Station** (28.5°), which requires more propellant for similar missions.
### Launch Pads and Complexes
The CSG hosts several launch complexes, each with its own history and purpose:
- **ALD/ELM (Ensemble de Lancement Multilanceurs)**: Originally built in **1969** for the **Diamant rocket**, this pad was decommissioned in **1975** but is being reactivated for **microlaunchers** by companies such as **Isar Aerospace**, **Rocket Factory Augsburg**, and **PLD Space**. Future rockets include the **Spectrum**, **RFA One**, and **Miura 5**.
- **ELA-1/ELV (Ensemble de Lancement Vega)**: Initially constructed in the **1960s** for the **Europa-II** rocket, this pad was later repurposed for the **Ariane 1, 2, and 3** before being refurbished for the **Vega rocket** in **2012**.
- **ELA-2 (Ensemble de Lancement Ariane-2)**: Operational from **1986 to 2003**, this pad supported **Ariane 4** launches and was dismantled in **2011** following the rocket's retirement.
- **ELA-3 (Ensemble de Lancement Ariane-3)**: Active from **1996 to 2023**, this facility was dedicated to the **Ariane 5** and will be adapted for future **Vega-E** launches.
- **ELA-4 (Ensemble de Lancement Ariane-4)**: The newest launch complex, inaugurated in **2021**, is designed for the **Ariane 6**, with its first flight occurring in **July 2024**.
- **ELS (Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz)**: Built for the **Soyuz-2** rocket, this pad saw its first launch in **2011**. However, operations were suspended in **2022** due to geopolitical tensions. In **2024**, **MaiaSpace** was selected to utilize the pad for its **Maia rocket**.
### Final Assembly and Launch Safety
The **Final Assembly Building**, located **2.8 km (1.7 mi)** from the **ELA-3** launch zone, is where **Ariane 5** rockets are integrated with their payloads. Security at the CSG is managed by the **French Gendarmerie** and the **3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment** of the **French Foreign Legion**, with enhanced measures during launch windows.
## Launches
The Guiana Space Centre has been the site of numerous historic launches:
- **10 March 1970**: The first **Diamant-B** rocket launched the **DIAL/MIKA** and **DIAL/WIKA** satellites.
- **21 October 2011**: The inaugural **Soyuz-2** launch from CSG carried two **Galileo** navigation satellites.
- **13 February 2012**: The maiden flight of the **Vega rocket** deployed nine satellites.
- **25 December 2021**: An **Ariane 5** launched the **James Webb Space Telescope**.
- **9 July 2024**: The first flight of the **Ariane 6**.
## Local Impact and Environmental Considerations
The space sector contributes significantly to **French Guiana's economy**, accounting for **15% of its GDP** in **2014**. However, the region faces socio-economic disparities, with high poverty levels and unemployment rates exceeding **20%**. The **2017 protests** highlighted these issues, leading to negotiations with the French government for increased investment in local infrastructure and public services.
Environmentally, space launches have led to increased **aluminium concentrations** around the site, raising concerns about long-term ecological effects. Additionally, the spaceport's colonial legacy has been a subject of critique, with discussions on its role in perpetuating historical inequalities.
## See Also
- **Spaceflight Portal**
- **South America Portal**
- **France Portal**
- **3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment**
- **European Space Agency (ESA)**
- **CNES**
- **Arianespace**
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