The Guiana Space Center, an independent gateway to space
The Guiana Space Center (CSG) is a world-renowned launch site, combining a strategic equatorial location with modern infrastructure. Find out how this unique facility enables Arianespace to guarantee safe, flexible and environmentally-friendly launches for institutional and commercial customers.
The CSG, a world-class launch site
A scalable launch site in a strategic location
The Guiana Space Center enjoys a strategic geographical location near the equator in French Guiana. This location makes it possible to exploit the slingshot effect of the Earth’s rotation, optimizing the efficiency of launches to carry heavier payloads with less fuel. Its civilian and neutral status is certified by international ITAR and NATO standards, guaranteeing a secure environment that complies with global regulations.
A scalable, flexible, multi-launch site
The scalable infrastructure of the CSG ensures optimum flexibility for distinct types of missions. Its proximity to solid and liquid propellant plants, as well as modern facilities such as the new operations center, demonstrate the readiness of the CSG to constantly adapt to the advances in space technology.
A launch site committed to environmental protection
The CSG employs the most advanced methods available today to minimize the environmental impact of its activities on the fauna and flora of the base and surrounding communities. Initiatives such as sustainable resource management, carbon emission reduction, and the protection of local biodiversity are central to our concerns. For each launch, the CSG implements an environmental measurement plan with sensors monitoring the air, water, and fauna in rivers and on the land. Analyses are conducted before, during, and after launches to monitor the impacts on the local ecosystem. Solar farms are under construction to decarbonize the energy used for our activities. Awareness campaigns on energy conservation and waste recycling are also in place at the site.
A concentration of state-of-the-art facilities for safe launches
The upgrading of the Guiana Space Center
In 2021, the CSG invested 140 million euros to modernize its facilities. This program, called “CSG Nouvelle Génération”, improves digital systems to reduce the time between launches to less than three days, and integrate sustainable energy production technologies such as solar power and biomass. This upgrade, financed by the French government and the European Space Agency, also includes the renovation of road infrastructure and water networks, and the involvement of local companies to bolster the local economy.
Optimized logistics for efficient operations
The CSG benefits from a well-developed logistics infrastructure, facilitating access and transport of the equipment required for space missions. The Pariacabo port in Kourou provides direct sea transport for launcher components and the the Félix Éboué international airport can accommodate large cargo aircrafts. Support infrastructures, such as hotels and hospitals in Kourou and Cayenne, guarantee the comfort and safety of operational teams and customers that are present during launch campaigns.
Guaranteed safety and security at the CSG
The CSG implements strict security measures, including stringent access controls, advanced surveillance systems and risk management procedures. The vehicles used to transfer satellites or launchers are inspected and cleared by experts. On the day of the launch, the site is scouted and evacuated, and the French armed forces are deployed to secure strategic areas.
The Guiana Space Center is unique in the world due to the close cooperation between Arianespace and CNES. For decades, this synergy has made it possible to pool skills and resources to deliver optimum efficiency for launch campaigns. Arianespace benefits from CNES expertise in infrastructure management and safety, while CNES benefits from Arianespace's experience in intertacting with customers and coordinating operations.
CSG, a symbol of European space cooperation
The CSG in French Guiana is a true symbol of European space cooperation. Since the first launch of Ariane 1 in 1979, the Guiana Space Center has been the stage of many successful space missions and has firmly consolidated Europe’s position in the exploration and use of space. Its strategic equatorial location enables to optimize launches, reducing propellant consumption and maximizing payload capacity. This launch site embodies European synergy, bringing together the skills and resources of several nations to advance space technology for the benefit of humankind.
Who are the players at the CSG?
Several organizations work closely together at the CSG to ensure the success of space missions.
ESA
The European Space Agency is responsible for the launcher development programmes. It owns most of the installations at the spaceport. ESA coordinates the technological efforts needed to develop and improve European launch vehicles such as Ariane and Vega.
CNES
The French space agency owns the land on which the CSG spaceport is built and plays a central role in the site's management. Its role involves protecting people, property and the environment. CNES also oversees launch preparations, ensuring that each mission is carried out safely and in accordance with environmental and technical standards.
Arianespace
Arianespace provides launch services and their commercialization for all types of satellites. It is responsible for implementing space missions for institutional and commercial customers, coordinating operations from satellite preparation to launch.
ArianeGroup
ArianeGroup is lead contractor for Europe’s Ariane launchers, responsible for design and the entire production process. At the spaceport, ArianeGroup is responsible for the operations until lift-off, after which its subsidiary Arianespace takes over.
Avio
Avio, industrial prime contractor for the Vega launchers, produces and assembles the launcher which is then operated by Arianespace. On the CSG launch site, Avio is responsible for operations up to take-off.
Teams from CNES, ESA, Arianespace, and the satellite operators gather in the control room of the Jupiter building during countdown, lift-off, and mission tracking. Arianespace customers and local guests can watch the mission unfold from the VIP area.