View source for Guiana Space Centre

{{short description|French and European spaceport in French Guiana}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox government agency
| agency_name     = Guiana Space Centre
| type            = 
| nativename      = {{lang|fr|Centre spatial guyanais}}
| nativename_a    = 
| nativename_r    = 
| seal            = 
| seal_width      = 
| seal_caption    = 
| logo            = Guiana Space Centre logo.svg
| logo_width      = 
| logo_caption    = 
| picture         = CSG_Panoramic.jpg
| picture_width   = 
| picture_caption = Panoramic view of Guiana Space Centre
| formed          = {{Start date and age|1964|04|14|df=yes}}
| agency_type     = 
| jurisdiction    = [[Government of France]]
| headquarters    = [[Kourou]], [[French Guiana]]
| employees       = 1,700 direct (2020)<br />7,500 indirect (2011)
| budget          = 
| chief1_name     = Philippe Lier
| chief1_position = Director
| chief2_name     = 
| chief2_position = 
| chief3_name     = 
| chief3_position = 
| chief4_name     = 
| chief4_position = 
| chief5_name     = 
| chief5_position = 
| public_protector = 
| deputy          = 
| chief6_name     = 
| chief6_position = 
| chief7_name     = 
| chief7_position = 
| chief8_name     = 
| chief8_position = 
| chief9_name     = 
| chief9_position = 
| parent_department = 
| parent_agency   = [[ESA]] / [[EUSPA]] / [[CNES]]
| website         = {{URL|centrespatialguyanais.cnes.fr}}
| map             = Plan Centre Spatial Guyanais-en.svg
| map_width       = 250px
| map_caption     = Map of Guiana Space Centre
| footnotes       = 
| embed           = {{hidden|Detailed map|[[File:Detail site Kourou-en.svg|center|280px|Detailed map of ''Carbet Toukan'' pads]]}}
}}

{{Infobox launch pad
  |name=Guiana Space Centre
  |image=
  |caption=
  |site=
  |short=
  |tlaunches=328
  |unknown=
  |location=
  |coordinates            = {{coord|5.169|-52.6903|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
  |operator=[[Arianespace]], [[ESA]]
  |pads=7
  |paddetails=
    {{Infobox launch pad/pad
      |designation   = ELFS
      |status        = Inactive
      |launches      = 412
      |first_launch  = 1968
      |last_launch   = 1981
	  |rockets       = [[Sounding rockets]]
    }}
    {{Infobox launch pad/pad
      |designation   = ALD/ELM
      |status        = Inactive
      |launches      = 8
      |first_launch  = 10 March 1970
      |first_details = [[Diamant|Diamant B]] (Mika / Wika)
      |last_launch   = 27 September 1975
      |last_details  = [[Diamant|Diamant BP4]] (Aura)
      |rockets       = {{Unbulleted list
         | Retired: [[Diamant]]
         | Future: [[Miura 5]], [[Rocket Factory Augsburg#Launch vehicle|RFA One]], [[Isar Aerospace Spectrum|Spectrum]], [[CALLISTO (rocket demonstrator)|Callisto]], [[Themis programme|Themis]], Zephyr, SL1<ref name="isar">{{Cite web |title=Isar Aerospace to launch from French Guiana |url=https://spacenews.com/isar-aerospace-to-launch-from-french-guiana/ |access-date=2022-08-02 |website=Space News |date=21 July 2022 }}</ref>
         }}
    }}
    {{Infobox launch pad/pad
      |designation   = [[ELA-1|ELA-1 / ELV]]
      |status        = Active
      |launches      = 53
      |first_launch  = 5 November 1971
      |first_details = [[Europa (rocket)|Europa II]] ([[STV 4]])
      |last_launch   = 26 July 2025
      |last_details  = [[Vega C]] ([[Constellation Optique en 3D|CO3D]] × 4 + [[MicroCarb]])
      |rockets       = {{Unbulleted list
         | Current: [[Vega C]]
         | Retired: [[Ariane&nbsp;1]], [[Ariane&nbsp;2]], [[Ariane&nbsp;3]], [[Europa (rocket)|Europa&nbsp;II]], [[Vega (rocket)|Vega]]
         }}
    }}
    {{Infobox launch pad/pad
      |designation   = [[ELA-2]]
      |status        = Inactive
      |launches      = 119
      |first_launch  = 28 March 1986
      |first_details = [[Ariane 3]] (GStar-2)
      |last_launch   = 15 February 2003
      |last_details  = [[Ariane 4]] ([[Intelsat 907]])
      |rockets       = {{Unbulleted list
         | Retired: [[Ariane&nbsp;2]], [[Ariane&nbsp;3]], [[Ariane&nbsp;4]]
         }}
    }}
    {{Infobox launch pad/pad
      |designation   = [[ELA-3]]
      |status        = Inactive
      |launches      = 117
      |first_launch  = 4 June 1996
      |first_details = [[Ariane 5]] ([[Ariane flight V88|Cluster]])
      |last_launch   = 5 July 2023
      |last_details  = [[Ariane 5]] ([[Syracuse (satellite)|Syracuse&nbsp;4B]] / Heinrich&nbsp;Hertz)
      |rockets       = {{Unbulleted list
         | Retired: [[Ariane&nbsp;5]]
         |  Future: [[Vega-E]]
         }}
    }}
    {{Infobox launch pad/pad
      |designation   = [[Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz|ELS]]
      |status        = Inactive
      |launches      = 27
      |first_launch  = 21 October 2011
      |first_details = [[Soyuz ST-B]] ([[Galileo (satellite navigation)|Galileo]])
      |last_launch   = 10 February 2022
      |last_details  = [[Soyuz ST-B]] ([[OneWeb satellite constellation|OneWeb L13]])
      |rockets       = {{Unbulleted list
         | Suspended: {{nowrap|[[Soyuz ST-A]]}}, {{nowrap|[[Soyuz ST-B]]}}<ref name="la1ere.francetvinfo.fr">{{Cite web |title="Il n'y aura pas de prochain lancement Soyouz depuis le Centre Spatial Guyanais" |url=https://la1ere.francetvinfo.fr/guyane/il-n-y-aura-pas-de-prochain-lancement-soyouz-depuis-le-centre-spatial-guyanais-1349512.html |access-date=2023-01-08 |website=Guyane la 1ère |date=15 December 2022 |language=fr-FR}}</ref>
         | Future: [[Maïa (rocket)|Maia]],
         }}
    }}
    {{Infobox launch pad/pad
      |designation   = [[ELA-4]]
      |status        = Active
      |launches      = 4
      |first_launch  = 9 July 2024 
      |first_details = [[Ariane 6]] (multiple payloads)
      |last_launch   = 4 November 2025
      |last_details  = [[Ariane 6]] ([[Sentinel-1D]])
      |rockets       = {{Unbulleted list
         | Current: [[Ariane&nbsp;6]]
         }}
    }}
  |status=Active
  |first=10 March 1970
  |last=
}}
{{GeoGroup}}
The '''Guiana Space Centre''' ({{langx|fr|links=no|Centre spatial guyanais}}; '''CSG'''), also called '''Europe's Spaceport''',<ref>{{Cite web|title=Europe's Spaceport|url=http://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Europe_s_Spaceport/Europe_s_Spaceport2|access-date=2021-01-13|website=ESA.int }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=23 April 2015|title=CNES FACILITIES|url=https://cnes.fr/en/web/CNES-en/3801-cnes-facilities.php|website=CNES.fr|access-date=13 January 2021|archive-date=14 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314062318/https://cnes.fr/en/web/CNES-en/3801-cnes-facilities.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> is a [[spaceport]] to the northwest of [[Kourou]] in [[French Guiana]], an [[Overseas departments and regions of France|overseas region]] of [[France]] in [[South America]]. Kourou is located approximately {{Convert|500|km|mi nmi}} north of the equator at a latitude of 5°. In operation since 1968, it is a suitable location for a spaceport because of its near [[equator]]ial location and open sea to the east and north.

At CSG, space launches are conducted by several European private companies and government agencies working together. The CSG land itself is managed by [[CNES]], the French national space agency. The launch infrastructure built on the CSG land is owned by the [[European Space Agency]]. The private company [[Arianespace]] operates the launches including planning missions, handling customer relationships and overseeing the team at CSG that integrates and prepares vehicles for launch. The rockets themselves are designed and produced by other companies, [[ArianeGroup]] for the [[Ariane 6]] and [[Avio]] for the [[Vega (rocket)|Vega]].

== History ==
In 1964, Guiana was selected to become the spaceport of France,<ref name="cnes" /><ref name="esa" /> replacing France's first launch site [[Centre interarmées d'essais d'engins spéciaux]] in [[Hammaguir]] ([[Algeria]]) after Algeria's independence,<ref name="Gorman 2009 pp. 132–145">{{cite journal | last=Gorman | first=Alice | title=The Archaeology of Space Exploration | journal=The Sociological Review | publisher=SAGE Publications | volume=57 | issue=1_suppl | year=2009 | issn=0038-0261 | doi=10.1111/j.1467-954x.2009.01821.x | pages=132–145| s2cid=142643666 }}</ref> moving to and expanding in Guiana [[space colonization#Colonialism|colonization]].<ref name="b361">{{cite web | title=French Guiana: the negative legacy of French colonialism | website=International Viewpoint | date=2018-08-21 | url=https://internationalviewpoint.org/spip.php?article5664 | access-date=2025-02-10}}</ref> In 1975, France offered to share Kourou with the ESA, with ESA covering today two thirds of Guiana Space Centre's budget.<ref name="cnes">[http://www.cnes-csg.fr/web/CNES-CSG-fr/9777-implantation.php "Installation of the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501230319/http://www.cnes-csg.fr/web/CNES-CSG-fr/9777-implantation.php|date=1 May 2016}}. Guiana Space Centre official website</ref><ref name="esa">[http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Europe_s_Spaceport/index.html "Europe's Spaceport"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121126074609/http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Europe_s_Spaceport/index.html|date=26 November 2012}}. European Space Agency official website</ref> Commercial launches are also bought by non-European companies. ESA pays two-thirds of the spaceport's annual budget and has also financed the upgrades made during the development of the [[Ariane (rocket family)|Ariane]] launchers.

On 4 April 2017, the center was occupied by 30 labour unions and [[indigenous peoples]] leaders in the midst of the [[2017 social unrest in French Guiana]]. The center resumed operation on 24 April 2017, after an emergency relief plan of up to 2.1 billion euros was authorized by the French government.<ref name="lacroixlecentrespatialguyanais">{{cite news|title=Guyane : le Centre spatial guyanais occupé par des manifestants|url=http://www.la-croix.com/France/Politique/Guyane-Centre-spatial-guyanais-occupe-manifestants-2017-04-05-1200837341 |publisher=La Croix|date=5 April 2017|access-date=5 April 2017|language=French}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-04-23 |title=French Guiana protests end with agreement - France 24 |url=http://www.france24.com/en/20170422-french-guiana-protests-end-with-agreement-promise-aid |access-date=2024-05-24 |archive-date=23 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423140602/http://www.france24.com/en/20170422-french-guiana-protests-end-with-agreement-promise-aid |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref>

== Facilities ==
{{Gallery |width=160 |height=170 |align=center
  |File:Ensemble de lancement Vega.jpg |[[Vega (rocket)|Vega]] launch pad in 2017
  |File:Ariane 5 Mission 8.jpg |[[Ariane 5]] final assembly building
  |File:ELA4 construction Nov 2019 2.jpg |[[Ariane 6]] pad in 2019
  |Pas de tir Soyouz Kourou.jpg |[[Soyuz-2]] mobile service tower and flame trench
  |Kourou Station path.jpg |Kourou [[ESTRACK]] station antenna
|mode=packed|File:Kourou, Jupiter Kontrollzentrum vom CSG.jpg|Jupiter Mission Control Centre exterior|File:James Webb Space Telescope Prelaunch (NHQ202112250003).jpg|Jupiter Mission Control Centre during the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, 2021|File:Ariane Launch Control Room Centre Spatial Guyanais.jpg|Launch control centre (CDL)}}

The location of the space centre was selected based on various factors. One of the primary benefits of this spaceport is its proximity to the [[equator]], which makes it more efficient, requiring substantially less energy, to launch spacecraft into an [[Near-equatorial orbit|near-equatorial]], [[geostationary orbit]] compared to launching from spaceports at higher [[latitude]]s.

Additionally, the centre's location adjacent to the open sea to the east reduces the potential risk of rocket stages and debris from launch failures falling on or near human settlements, which enhances safety during spaceflight activities.

Furthermore, rockets typically launch towards the east to take advantage of [[Earth's rotation]] and the [[angular momentum]] it provides. The near-equatorial location of the Guiana Space Centre offers an advantage for launches to low-[[Orbital inclination|inclination]] or geostationary Earth orbits, as rockets can be launched into orbits with an inclination of as low as 6°. In contrast, a rocket launched from [[Cape Canaveral Space Force Station]], with a latitude of 28.5°, can only be launched to an inclination of 28.5°, requiring a significant amount of propellant to change the inclination.

The location of the Guiana Space Centre provides benefits for launching spacecraft into low-inclination or geostationary Earth orbits. Rockets of similar size to those used at other spaceports to place satellites into [[geostationary transfer orbit]] (GTO), such as the [[Proton (rocket family)|Proton]] and [[Ariane 5|Ariane 5 rockets]], can send similar payloads to a [[low Earth orbit]] (LEO). For example, the Proton rocket, launched from high latitudes in Russia, can only send 6,270{{Nbsp}}kg to GTO, while the Kourou-launched Ariane 5 can send more than 10,000{{Nbsp}}kg to GTO.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.arianespace.com/vehicle/ariane-5/|title=Ariane 5 - Arianespace|publisher=Arianespace|access-date=2017-08-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ilslaunch.com/launch-services/ils-proton-breeze-m-launch-vehicle|title=Commercial Launch Vehicle {{!}} ILS Proton Breeze M {{!}} International Launch Services|website=ilslaunch.com|access-date=2017-08-23}}</ref>

=== ALD/ELM ===

In 1969 a launch pad for the Diamant rocket was built. The first launch took place in 1970, which was also the first satellite launch from Kourou. More launches followed, but the pad was decommissioned in 1975.<ref>{{cite web |title=Guiana Space Center in Kourou |url=https://www.russianspaceweb.com/kourou.html |website=www.russianspaceweb.com |access-date=5 January 2025}}</ref>

Beginning 2019 the pad is being reactivated. Multiple companies have announced that they would be using the pad for microlaunchers. Among them are [[Isar Aerospace]], [[Rocket Factory Augsburg]], ArianeGroup, [[PLD Space]], [[Latitude (company)|Latitude]], [[HyImpulse]] and Avio with their [[Isar Aerospace Spectrum|Spectrum]], [[RFA One]], [[CALLISTO (rocket demonstrator)|Callisto]], [[Themis programme|Themis]], [[Miura 5]], Zephyr and SL1 rockets. The pad will then be renamed ELM ({{Langx|fr|Ensemble de Lancement Multilanceurs|4=Multi-launcher Launch Complex}}). It is likely that PLD space will first use the pad in 2025.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Parsonson |first1=Andrew |title=PLD Space Likely to Be the First to Use New Launch Complex in Kourou |url=https://europeanspaceflight.com/pld-space-likely-to-be-the-first-to-use-new-launch-complex-in-kourou/ |website=European Spaceflight |access-date=5 January 2025 |date=24 June 2024}}</ref>

=== BEC/ELA-1/ELV ===
{{Main|ELA-1}}

Originally built in the 1960s under the name of ''Base Équatoriale du [[European Launcher Development Organisation|CECLES]]'' ({{langx|en|[[European Launcher Development Organisation|ELDO]] Equatorial Base}}), the pad was designed for the [[Europa (rocket)|Europa-II launch vehicle]]. One Europa-II was launched from the site in 1971, which ended in failure due to a guidance problem, before the program was cancelled.<ref name="cnes-europa2">{{cite web |url=https://centrespatialguyanais.cnes.fr/fr/centre-spatial-guyanais/histoire-du-spatial-en-guyane/lanceurs-et-installations-du-passe/europa-ii |title=EUROPA II (1971) |publisher=[[CNES]] |date=21 August 2019 |access-date=2021-03-05}}</ref>

The pad at Guiana was demolished and subsequently rebuilt as the first launch complex for Ariane as ELA ({{Lang|fr|Ensemble de Lancement Ariane}}). Redesignated later as ''ELA-1'', it was used for [[Ariane 1]] and [[Ariane 2 and 3]] launches until being retired in 1989.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.geocities.com/launchreport/padsites.html|title=Pad List - World Launch Sites|publisher=Space Launch Report |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091022053015/http://geocities.com/launchreport/padsites.html|archive-date=2009-10-22|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In November 2001, it was refurbished again for the [[Vega rocket]] and renamed ELV ({{Lang|fr|Ensemble de Lancement Vega}}). The first launch was on 13 February 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Launchers/Launch_vehicles/Vega3/Vega_liftoff |title=Vega Liftoff |website=ESA.int |date=2012-02-13 |access-date=2013-09-12 |archive-date=12 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312064618/http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Launchers/Launch_vehicles/Vega3/Vega_liftoff |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== ELA-2 ===
[[File:Ariane42P rocket.png|thumb|An Ariane 4 rocket at ELA-2]]
The ELA-2 pad ({{Lang|fr|Ensemble de Lancement Ariane-2}}), built in 1986, had been used for [[Ariane 4]] launches from 1988 until 2003. Before 1988, although purpose-built for ''Ariane 4'', the pad hosted an ''Ariane-2'' and two ''Ariane-3'' launches. The complex consisted of two areas: the launcher preparation zone and the launch pad, separated by one kilometre, allowing a launcher to be assembled in the preparation zone while another launch from the pad. A mobile service tower at the launch pad provided a protected environment for payload installation and final preparation of the rocket.<ref name="Arianespace-CSG">{{cite web |url=https://www.arianespace.com/spaceport-facility/site-advantages/ |title=Guiana Space Center - Site advantages |publisher=[[Arianespace]] |access-date=2021-03-05}}</ref> Following the retirement of the [[Ariane 4]] in favor of the [[Ariane 5]], In September 2011, the pad's service tower was demolished using explosives.<ref name="ELA2-dismantled">{{cite web |url=https://www.arianespace.com/corporate-news/the-spaceports-ela-2-launch-facility-is-dismantled-after-an-illustrious-career/ |title=The Spaceport's ELA-2 launch facility is dismantled after an illustrious career |date=26 September 2011 |publisher=[[Arianespace]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630104439/https://www.arianespace.com/corporate-news/the-spaceports-ela-2-launch-facility-is-dismantled-after-an-illustrious-career/ |archive-date=30 June 2019}}</ref>

=== ELA-3 ===
{{Main|ELA-3}}

ELA-3 ({{Lang|fr|Ensemble de Lancement Ariane-3}}) was active between 4 June 1996 and 5 July 2023, launching the [[Ariane 5]]. This facility covers an area of {{cvt|21|km2}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Europe's spaceport|url=http://www.esa.int/esaCP/GGGMGNF3KCC_Expanding_0.html|publisher=ESA}}</ref>

In the future the site will be adapted by Avio for [[Vega-E]] launches.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vega contracts for future operations and development |url=https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Vega/Vega_contracts_for_future_operations_and_development |website=www.esa.int |access-date=5 January 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

=== ELA-4 ===
{{Main|ELA-4}}

ELA4 is located along the ''Route de l'Espace'' in the Roche Christine site between the ELA-3 and ELS launch facilities. CNES was responsible for the construction of the Ariane 6 ground segments including the new launch pad. Earthworks on the 150 hectare launch site began at the end of June 2015 and was completed at the start of 2016. Four platforms were levelled to accommodate the launch pad, the liquid oxygen and hydrogen tanks and the assembly building. Civil engineering works on the flame trench and other buildings began in the summer of 2016 and ended in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.academie-air-espace.com/upload/doc/ressources/Launchers/slides/astorg.pdf |title=The Ariane 6 system: On board-ground interfaces and launch facility |date=2015-11-04 |publisher=CNES |language=French |access-date=2021-11-09 |archive-date=9 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109141134/http://www.academie-air-espace.com/upload/doc/ressources/Launchers/slides/astorg.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Launch_vehicles/Ariane_6 |title=Ariane 6 |date=2021-11-05 |publisher=ESA |access-date=2021-11-09}}</ref> The new launch facility was inaugurated on 28 September 2021 with first flight of the Ariane 6 conducted on 9 July 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://presse.cnes.fr/en/ela-4-launch-complex-inaugurated-guiana-space-centre |title=ELA-4 launch complex inaugurated at Guiana Space Centre |date=2021-09-28 |publisher=CNES |access-date=2021-11-09}}</ref>

=== ELS / Soyuz at CSG ===
{{main|Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz|Soyuz at the Guiana Space Centre}}

ESA has built ELS ({{Lang|fr|Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz<!--Oui, SoyOuz in French--->}}) for launching Russian-built [[Soyuz-2]] rockets. The first Soyuz launch from ELS was postponed several times, but launched on 21 October 2011.<ref>[http://spaceflightnow.com/soyuz/vs01/status.html SpaceflightNow's VS01 flight status page] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514182216/http://spaceflightnow.com/soyuz/vs01/status.html|date=14 May 2015}}</ref>

ELS is located on the territory of [[Sinnamary]] commune, {{cvt|27|km}} from Kourou harbor.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1UKE2fVQV4EC&pg=PA138|title=Space Exploration 2007|page=138 |publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=978-0-387-48758-8|author=Harvey, Brian|date=10 August 2007}}</ref> It is {{cvt|10|km}} northwest of the site used for the Ariane 5 launches. Under the terms of the Russo-European joint venture, ESA will augment its own launch vehicle fleet with Soyuz rockets – using them to launch ESA or commercial payloads – and the Russians will get access to the Kourou spaceport for launching their own payloads with Soyuz rockets. Russia will use the Guiana Space Centre in addition to [[Baikonur Cosmodrome]]. The Guiana location has the significant benefit of greatly increased payload capability, owing to the near [[equator]]ial position. A Soyuz rocket with a 1.7 tones to geostationary transfer orbit performance from Baikonur will increase its payload potential to 2.8 tones from the Guiana launch site.<ref>{{in lang|fr}} [http://www.cnes.fr/web/4143-lensemble-de-lancement-soyuz.php Le Port Spatial de l'Europe (CNES)] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080930070531/http://www.cnes.fr/web/4143-lensemble-de-lancement-soyuz.php|date=30 September 2008}}</ref>

The ELS project is being co-funded by Arianespace, ESA, and the [[European Union]], with CNES being the prime contractor. The project has a projected cost of approximately €320 million, where €120 million are allocated for modernizing the Soyuz vehicle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Europe_To_Pay_Russia_To_Build_Soyuz_Pad_At_Kourou_Russia.html|title=Europe To Pay Russia To Build Soyuz Pad At Kourou: Russia|publisher=SpaceDaily}}</ref> The official opening of the launch site construction occurred on 27 February 2007.

On 13 September 2010, Spaceflight Now reported that after several delays in the construction of a mobile gantry the launch pad had been finished, and the first flight of the Soyuz was expected to occur in early 2011.<ref name="SFNOW-2010-09-13">{{cite web|title=Soyuz, Vega flights from French Guiana set for 2011|url=http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n1009/13soyuzvega/}}</ref> By October 2010, 18 launch contracts were signed. Arianespace has ordered 24 launchers from Russian industry.<ref name="arianespace-2010-10-11">{{cite press release|title=Arianespace hosts meeting of launch system manufacturers |url=http://www.arianespace.com/news-press-release/2010/10-11-2010-launch-system-manufacturers-meeting.asp|date=11 October 2010|location=Evry}}</ref>

On 21 October 2011, two [[Galileo (satellite navigation)|Galileo IOV-1 and IOV-2]] satellites were launched using a Soyuz-ST rocket, in the "first Russian Soyuz vehicle ever launched from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.".<ref name=pa20111022>{{cite news|last=Messier|first=Doug|title=Soyuz Launches From Kourou for First Time|url=http://www.parabolicarc.com/2011/10/22/soyuz-launches-from-kourou-for-first-time/|access-date=24 October 2011|newspaper=Parabolic Arc|date=22 October 2011|archive-date=25 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025052132/http://www.parabolicarc.com/2011/10/22/soyuz-launches-from-kourou-for-first-time/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 26 February 2022, [[Roscosmos]] announced that it was suspending operations at ELS as a reaction to [[international sanctions during the Russo-Ukrainian War]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/russia-halts-soyuz-launches-from-french-guiana/#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20%E2%80%94%20Roscosmos%20announced%20Feb.%2026,for%20Russia's%20invasion%20of%20Ukraine|title=Russia halts Soyuz launches from French Guiana|date=26 February 2022}}</ref> According to [[Stéphane Israël|Stephane Israël]], CEO of Arianespace, "there will no longer be Soyuz launches" from the Guiana Space Center.<ref name="la1ere.francetvinfo.fr">{{Cite web |title="Il n'y aura pas de prochain lancement Soyouz depuis le Centre Spatial Guyanais" |url=https://la1ere.francetvinfo.fr/guyane/il-n-y-aura-pas-de-prochain-lancement-soyouz-depuis-le-centre-spatial-guyanais-1349512.html |access-date=2023-01-08 |website=Guyane la 1ère |date=15 December 2022 |language=fr-FR}}</ref>

In April 2024 CNES put out a call to take over the launch pad. In September the same year [[MaiaSpace]] was chosen to use the pad for their two-stage [[Maia (rocket)|Maia rocket]]. The company want to invest tens of millions of euros and aims for an inaugural launch in late 2025. ESA retains a right to select another company of their [[European Launcher Challenge|European Launch Challenge]] to also use the pad.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Parsonson |first1=Andrew |title=MaiaSpace Tapped to Take Over Soyuz Site in French Guiana |url=https://europeanspaceflight.com/maiaspace-tapped-to-take-over-soyuz-site-in-french-guiana/ |website=European Spaceflight |date=26 September 2024 |access-date=2025-01-05}}</ref>

=== Final assembly building ===
Astrium assembles each Ariane 5 launcher in the Launcher Integration Building. The vehicle is then delivered to the Final Assembly Building for payload integration by Arianespace.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.arianespace.com/mission-update/29641/|title=Arianespace receives its fifth Ariane 5 of 2008|date=28 July 2008|publisher=Arianespace|access-date=January 12, 2023}}</ref> The Final Assembly Building is located {{cvt|2.8|km}} from the ELA-3 launch zone. The mobile launch table completes the trip with an Ariane 5 in about one hour. It is then secured in place over the launch pad's flame ducts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arianespace.com/site/news/mission_up_438.html|title=Ariane 5 rolls out for Arianespace's fifth launch of 2007|publisher=Arianespace|date=8 November 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080125070534/http://www.arianespace.com/site/news/mission_up_438.html|archive-date=25 January 2008}}</ref>

== Launches ==

{{Gallery |width=160 |height=170 |align=center
  |File:Ariane42P rocket.gif |[[Ariane (rocket family)|Ariane 4]] launched from the Guiana Space Centre on 10 August 1992.
  |File:Ariane 5 lifting off from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana.jpg |An [[Ariane 5]] lifts off from Kourou on 29 August 2013.
  |File:Sentinel-2A satellite - liftoff - 18448230354.jpg |[[Sentinel-2A]] launch on [[Vega (rocket)|Vega]] on 23 June 2015.
  |File:Centre spatial guyanais - Rollout Soyuz 8841896881.jpg |[[Soyuz-2|Soyuz]] rollout to ELS pad on 9 October 2012.
  |File:James_Webb_Space_Telescope_Launch_(NHQ202112250006).jpg |[[Ariane 5]] [[Ariane flight VA256|flight VA256]] lifts off from Kourou with the [[James Webb Space Telescope]] on 25 December 2021.
|mode=packed}}

=== Launch safety ===
Fire safety is ensured by a detachment of the [[Paris Fire Brigade]], a branch of the [[French Army]]. Security around the base is ensured by [[French Gendarmerie]] forces, assisted by the [[3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment]] of the [[French Foreign Legion]].{{citation needed|date=July 2012}} Before and during launch windows, CSG facility security is significantly enhanced by anti-personnel and anti-aircraft measures, the exact configurations of which are classified by the French military. All entrants to the launch complex are also subject to checks for proof of permission to enter the facility.{{citation needed |date=July 2012}}

The Guiana Space Centre (as per CNES) also contains the ''[[Salvation Islands|Îles du Salut]]'', a former penal colony including the infamous [[Devil's Island (Kourou)|Devil's Island]]. Now a tourist site, the islands are under the launching trajectory for [[geosynchronous orbit]] and have to be evacuated during launches.

=== Early launches ===
* 10 March 1970 – The first [[Diamant|Diamant-B]] launched the DIAL/MIKA and DIAL/WIKA satellites. DIAL/MIKA failed during launch, but it entered orbit with a total mass of 111&nbsp;kg.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1970-017B|title=DIAL/MIKA - NSSDC ID: 1970-017B|publisher=NASA NSSDC}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> DIAL/WIKA provided data for about two months after launch.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1970-017A|title=DIAL/WIKA - NSSDC ID: 1970-017A|publisher=NASA NSSDC}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

=== Recent launches ===

* 21 May 2011 – 04:38 (GMT+08:00) An Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle launched carrying [[ST-2]] Satellite twice as powerful [[Singtel]]'s first satellite ST-1, which was launched back in 1998. It will provide 20% more transponder capacity and a wider coverage footprint than [[ST-1]], with C-band and Ku-band coverage of the [[Middle East]], [[Central Asia]], [[Indian subcontinent]] and [[Southeast Asia]].{{citation needed|date=July 2012}}
* 21 October 2011 – A [[Soyuz-2]] carrying two [[Galileo (satellite navigation)|Galileo]] satellites was launched. This was the first launch of a Soyuz rocket at the Centre Spatial Guyanais.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rosenberg|first1=Zach|title=First Soyuz launch from French Guiana|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/first-soyuz-launch-from-french-guiana-363826/|publisher=FlightGlobal|access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref>
* 17 December 2011 – A Soyuz carrying the French space agency's [[Pleiades (satellite)|Pleiades 1]] Earth imaging satellite, four [[ELISA (satellite)|ELISA]] electronic intelligence satellites, and the [[SSOT (satellite)|SSOT]] remote sensing satellite for the [[Military of Chile|Chilean military]]. This was the second launch of a Soyuz at the Guiana Space Centre.<ref>{{cite web|title=Arianespace VSO2 mission: Soyuz STA orbits Pleiades 1A, ELISA and SSOT|url=http://www.arianespace.com/news-press-release/2011/12-16-2011-VS02-launch-success.asp|publisher=Arianespace|access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref>
* 13 February 2012 – The [[Vega (rocket)|Vega]], which was designed in [[Italy]], lifted off at 10:00 UTC on its maiden voyage. The launcher released nine satellites into orbit: two Italian satellites and seven [[Small satellite|pico-satellites]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news24.com/SciTech/News/Successful-lift-off-for-Vega-rocket-20120213|title=Successful lift-off for Vega rocket|publisher=News24}}</ref>
* 5 July 2012 – The uncrewed Ariane 5 rocket took off to send an American communication satellite and European weather-monitoring spacecraft into orbit. Liftoff occurred at 21:36 UTC.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnes.fr/web/CNES-en/10082-follow-ariane-launch-live.php|title=Follow Ariane launch live|work=Centre National d'Études Spatiales|date=23 April 2015|publisher=CNES}}</ref>
* 30 August 2013 – Indian Space Research Organisation ([[Indian Space Research Organisation|ISRO]]) launched the advanced multi-band communication satellite [[GSAT-7]].<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-23894646 India launches first defence satellite GSAT-7] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104224951/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-23894646|date=4 January 2016}}</ref> It was 17th Indian satellite launched from [[European Space Agency|ESA]] with [[Ariane 5]].<ref>[http://m.thehindu.com/news/national/navys-first-satellite-gsat7-now-in-space/article5074800.ece/ Navy's first satellite GSAT-7 now in the Space] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20141101020719/http://m.thehindu.com/news/national/navys-first-satellite-gsat7-now-in-space/article5074800.ece/|date=1 November 2014}} ''The Hindu'', 30 August 2013 by Madhumati D. S.</ref>
* 16 October 2014 – An Ariane 5 launch vehicle carrying the communication satellite [[ARSAT-1]] to orbit. It is the first geostationary satellite built by a Latin American country, [[Argentina]], and the second one of the Americas, after the U.S.
* 30 September 2015 – An Ariane 5 launch vehicle carrying the communication satellite [[ARSAT-2]] to orbit, being the second Argentine geostationary satellite built in two years.
* 1 October 2015 – [[Sky Muster]] (NBN-Co 1A) is a communication satellite launched on an [[Ariane 5|Ariane 5 ECA]] launch vehicle. Sky Muster is the first satellite of an operation to improve Australia's internet with the [[NBN Co|NBN]] program.
* 6 October 2016 – [[Sky Muster|Sky Muster II]] (NBN-Co 1B) is a communication satellite launched on an Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle. Sky Muster II is the second satellite of an operation to improve Australia's internet with the NBN program.
* 28 January 2017 – A [[Soyuz-2|Soyuz-2 STB]] carrying the geostationary communication satellite [[Hispasat AG1|Hispasat 36W-1]] to orbit. It is the first of the ESA's "Small-GEO" class of satellites.
* 14 February 2017 – An Ariane 5 launch vehicle carrying the commercial communication satellites [[SKY Brasil|Sky Brasil 1]] (Intelsat 32e) and Telekom 3S launched the satellites to a geostationary orbit.
* 25 January 2018 – Partial failure of Ariane 5 launch vehicle on [[Ariane flight VA241]].
* 19 October 2018 – An Ariane 5 launched the European-Japanese [[BepiColombo]] mission to [[Mercury (planet)|Mercury]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.space.com/42195-bepicolombo-mercury-spacecraft-launch-success.html|title=BepiColombo Spacecraft Launch on 7-Year Trek to Mercury for Europe and Japan|website=space.com|date=20 October 2018|access-date=2018-10-20}}</ref>
* 5 February 2019 – An Ariane 5 launched the [[Saudi Arabia|Saudi]] Geostationary Satellite  '''[[SaudiGeoSat-1/HellasSat-4|SGS-1]]''' (also known as '''SaudiGeosat-1/HellasSat-4''').
* 11 July 2019 – Vega failed to launch [[Falcon Eye 1]] satellite for [[United Arab Emirates Armed Forces]].
* 15 August 2020 – An Ariane 5 launched [[MEV-2]], [[BSAT-4b]], and [[Galaxy (satellite)|Galaxy-30]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Ariane 5 launches Mission Extension Vehicle, two communications satellites to orbit|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/08/ariane-5-launch-va253|date=2020-08-14|access-date=2020-08-17}}</ref>
* 17 November 2020 – Vega failed to launch [[TARANIS]] and [[SEOSat-Ingenio]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Malik |first=Tariq |date=2020-11-17 |title=European Vega rocket suffers major launch failure, satellites for Spain and France lost |url=https://www.space.com/vega-rocket-launch-anomaly-november-2020 |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref>
* 25 December 2021 – An Ariane 5 launched the [[James Webb Space Telescope]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/content/webbLaunch/countdown.html|title = Launch Countdown Webb/NASA}}</ref>
* 13 December 2022 — An Ariane 5 launched the first third generation Meteosat: [[Meteosat MTG-I1]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Meteorological_missions/meteosat_third_generation|title=MTG-I1 Liftoff}}</ref>
* 21 December 2022 – Vega-C failed to launch two ''Pléiades Neo'' satellites from [[Airbus Defence and Space]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wall |first=Mike |date=2022-12-21 |title=Europe's Vega C rocket fails on 2nd-ever mission, 2 satellites lost |url=https://www.space.com/arianespace-vega-c-launch-failure-december-2022 |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref>
* 14 April 2023 – An Ariane 5 launched the [[Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer|JUICE]] space probe on an 8-year journey to Jupiter, including four gravity assist maneuvers at the Moon, Earth, and Venus, where it will study three of [[Jupiter]]'s [[Galilean moons]]: [[Ganymede (moon)|Ganymede]], [[Callisto (moon)|Callisto]], and [[Europa (moon)|Europa]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Davenport |first=Justin |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2023/04/juice-launch/ |title=ESA launches JUICE to Jupiter's icy moons atop Ariane 5 |date=14 April 2023 |access-date=14 April 2023 |work=NASASpaceFlight}}</ref>
* 5 July 2023 – Ariane 5 launched two [[Military satellite#Military communication satellites|military communication satellites]] from France and Germany ([[Syracuse (satellite)#Syracuse IV|Syracuse 4B]] and ''Heinrich Hertz'') as its final mission.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dinner |first=Josh |date=2023-07-05 |title=Farewell, Ariane 5! Europe's workhorse rocket launches 2 satellites on final mission (video) |url=https://www.space.com/ariane-5-rocket-final-launch-success |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref>
* 9 July 2024 – [[Ariane 6]] launched on its maiden flight.

== Launch pad chart ==
{{Kourou launch pad map}}
{| class="wikitable"
!Complex
!Status
!Tenant
!Uses
!Notable Launches
!Coordinates
|- bgcolor="lightblue"
|Ensemble de Lancement Fusées-Sondes
|Inactive
|''Various companies''
|Future: [[Sounding rocket|Sounding rockets]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parsonson |first=Andrew |date=2024-11-26 |title=CNES to Once Again Launch Sounding Rockets from French Guiana |url=https://europeanspaceflight.com/cnes-to-once-again-launch-sounding-rockets-from-french-guiana/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=European Spaceflight |language=en-US}}</ref><br>Retired: [[Sounding rocket|Sounding rockets]]
|
|{{Coord|5.208255|N|52.732312|W}}
|- bgcolor="lightblue"
|Ensemble de Lancement Multilanceurs
|Inactive
|''Various companies''
|Future: 

* [[Miura 5]], 
* [[RFA One]]
* [[Isar Aerospace Spectrum|Spectrum]]
* [[Latitude (company)#Zephyr|Zephyr]]
* [[HyImpulse#Rockets|SL1]]
* [[CALLISTO]]
* [[Themis programme|Themis]] 
Retired:
* [[Diamant]]

''ELM is planned to be a''&nbsp;''reconfigurable multipurpose launch site, similarly to [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 46|SLC-46]] at [[Cape Canaveral Space Force Station|Cape Canaveral]]''
|
|{{Coord|5.233542|N|52.752582|W}}
|- bgcolor="lightgreen"
|'''[[ELA-1|Ensemble de Lancement Vega]]'''
|'''Active'''
|[[Arianespace]]
|'''Current''': '''[[Vega C]]'''<br>Retired: [[Ariane 1|Europa II]], [[Ariane 1]], [[Ariane 2]], [[Ariane 3]], [[Vega (rocket)|Vega]]
|[[CAT-1]], [[Giotto (spacecraft)|Giotto]], [[Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle|IXV]], [[LISA Pathfinder]]
|{{coord|5.236|N|52.775|W}}
|-
|[[ELA-2|Ensemble de Lancement Ariane 2]]
| colspan="2" |Inactive
|Retired: [[Ariane 2]], [[Ariane 3]], [[Ariane 4]]
|[[European Remote-Sensing Satellite|ERS-1]], [[Infrared Space Observatory]]
|{{coord|5.232|N|52.776|W}}
|- bgcolor="lightblue"
|[[ELA-3|Ensemble de Lancement Ariane 3]]
|Inactive
|[[Arianespace]]
|Future: [[Vega-E]]<br>Retired: [[Ariane 5]]
|[[XMM-Newton]], [[Envisat|EnviSat]], [[Rosetta (spacecraft)|Rosetta]], [[Automated Transfer Vehicle|ATV-1]] [[Jules Verne ATV|"Jules Verne"]], [[Herschel Space Observatory|Herschel]], [[Planck (spacecraft)|Planck]], [[Georges Lemaître ATV|ATV-5 "Georges Lemaître"]], [[BepiColombo]], [[James Webb Space Telescope]], [[Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer|Jupiter Icey Moons Explorer]]
|{{coord|5.239|N|52.768|W}}
|- bgcolor="lightgreen"
|'''[[ELA-4|Ensemble de Lancement Ariane 4]]'''
|'''Active'''
|[[Arianespace]]
|'''Current''': '''[[Ariane 6]]'''
|
|{{coord|5.26258|N|52.79074|W}}
|- bgcolor="lightblue"
|[[Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz]]
|Inactive
|[[MaiaSpace]]
|Future: [[Maia (rocket)|Maia]]<br>Suspended: [[Soyuz ST-A]], [[Soyuz at the Guiana Space Centre|Soyuz ST-B]]
|[[Gaia (spacecraft)|Gaia]], [[Sentinel-1A]], [[CHEOPS]]
|{{coord|5.305|N|52.834|W}}
|}

== Launch statistics ==
{{Updated|28 December 2024|<ref name=sfn_ls>{{cite web |url=http://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/|title=Launch schedule|work=Spaceflight Now|last=Clark|first=Stephen|date=26 October 2018|access-date=28 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnes-csg.fr/web/CNES-CSG-fr/10805-le-centre-spatial-guyanais.php|title=Le Centre Spatial Guyanais - CNES|website=cnes-csg.fr}}</ref>}}
{{As of|2017}}, Kourou counts amongst the spaceports with the highest percentage of successful launches, both successive and overall. Here is a chronology of all orbital launches from the Kourou spaceport since 1970, under the French and European space programmes.
{{clear right}}<!-- chart abuses floats -->

=== Flights by launcher ===
<!-- Bar chart: flight statistics
--><div style="margin:15px -5px -50px -45px;">
{{ #invoke:Chart | bar-chart
| height = 400
| width = 900
| stack = 1
| y tick marks = 5
<!----------- 1970-74 : 1975-79 : 1980-84 : 1985-89 : 1990-94 : 1995-99 : 2000-04 : 2005-09 : 2010-14 : 2015-19 : 2020-24 ----->
| group 1 = 2:2:0:1:0 : 3:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0
| group 2 = 0:1:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0
| group 3 = 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:1 : 1:2:1:2:2 : 1:1:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0: 0
| group 4 = 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:1:1:2:2 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0
| group 5 = 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:2 : 3:1:1:3:1 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0
| group 6 = 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:2:4 : 6:8:7:7:8 : 11:10:11:10:9 : 8:6:8:1:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0
| group 7 = 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:1:1:1:1 : 4:2:4:3:3 : 5:5:6:6:7 : 6:5:7:4:6 : 6:7:6:6:4 : 3:3:3:2:0 : 0 <!-- Ariane 5 -->
| group 8 = 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:2:2:2:4 : 3:2:2:3:3 : 2:1:1:0:0 : 0 <!-- Soyuz ST -->
| group 9 = 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:1:1:1 : 3:2:3:2:2 : 2:3:2:1:2 : 0 <!-- Vega -->
| group 10 = 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:1 : 1 <!-- Ariane 6 -->
| colors = #C0C0DD : #9c7d63 : #66CCFF : #FFFF0A : #C510CB : #516069 : #22ff27 : #F07800 : #c1ffa4 : #C5E1cf
| group names = Diamant : Europa 2 : Ariane 1 : Ariane 2 : Ariane 3 : Ariane 4 : Ariane 5 : Soyuz ST : Vega : Ariane 6
| hide group legends = yes
| units suffix = _flights
| x legends = 1970 ::::: 1975 ::::: 1980 ::::: 1985 ::::: 1990 ::::: 1995 ::::: 2000 ::::: 2005 ::::: 2010 ::::: 2015 ::::: 2020 ::::: 2025
}}
</div>
<div style="margin-left:50px;">
'''Active:'''{{nbsp}}{{hlist
 | style=display:inline; | list_style=display:inline;
 | {{legend inline|border=1px solid #aaa|#C5E1cf| [[Ariane 6]] }}
 | {{legend inline|border=1px solid #aaa|#c1ffa4| [[Vega (rocket)|Vega]] }}
}}<br />
'''Retired:'''{{nbsp}}{{hlist
 | style=display:inline; | list_style=display:inline;
 | {{legend inline|border=1px solid #aaa|#C0C0DD| [[Diamant]] }}
 | {{legend inline|border=1px solid #aaa|#9c7d63| [[Europa (rocket)|Europa 2]] }}
 | {{legend inline|border=1px solid #aaa|#66CCFF| [[Ariane 1]] }}
 | {{legend inline|border=1px solid #aaa|#FFFF0A| [[Ariane 2]] }}
 | {{legend inline|border=1px solid #aaa|#C510CB| [[Ariane 3]] }}
 | {{legend inline|border=1px solid #aaa|#516069| [[Ariane 4]] }}
 | {{legend inline|border=1px solid #aaa|#22ff27| [[Ariane 5]] }}
 | {{legend inline|border=1px solid #aaa|#F07800| [[Soyuz ST]] }}
}}
</div>

=== Flights by mission outcome ===
<div style="margin:15px -5px -50px -45px;">
{{#invoke:Chart | bar-chart
| height = 400
| width = 900
| stack = 1
| y tick marks = 5
| group 1 = 0:2:0:1:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 1:0:1:0:0 : 1:1:0:0:0 : 1:0:0:0:2 : 0:1:0:0:0 : 0:0:1:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:1 : 1:0:1:0:0 : 0 <!-- Failure -->
| group 2 = 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:1:0:0 : 0:1:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:1 : 0:0:0:1:0 : 0:0:0:0:1 : 0 <!-- Partial failure -->
| group 3 = 2:1:0:0:0 : 3:0:0:0:1 : 0:2:0:2:4 : 3:2:2:6:7 : 5:8:7:7:6 : 11:10:11:11:12 : 12:7:11:4:3 : 5:5:6:6:7 : 6:7:10:7:11 : 12:11:11:10:8 : 6:7:5:3:2 : 1<!-- Success -->
| group 4 = 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0:0:0:0:0 : 0 <!-- Scheduled -->
| colors = red : orange : green : lightblue
| group names = Failure : Partial failure : Success : Scheduled
| hide group legends = yes
| units suffix = _launches
| x legends = 1970 ::::: 1975 ::::: 1980 ::::: 1985 ::::: 1990 ::::: 1995 ::::: 2000 ::::: 2005 ::::: 2010 ::::: 2015 ::::: 2020 ::::: 2025
}}</div>
<div style="margin-left:50px;">
{{legend inline|green|border=1px solid grey|Success}}&nbsp;&nbsp;
{{legend inline|red|border=1px solid grey|Failure}}&nbsp;&nbsp;
{{legend inline|orange|border=1px solid grey|Partial Failure}}&nbsp;&nbsp;
{{legend inline|lightblue|border=1px solid grey |Scheduled}}
</div>
{{ubli
 | Charts include all orbital launches from Kourou; [[sounding rocket]]s are excluded.
 | Historical data: launch tables from [[List of Ariane launches]], [[Soyuz at the Guiana Space Centre|Soyuz ST]], [[Vega (rocket)|Vega]] and [https://web.archive.org/web/20020309050505/http://www.astronautix.com/sites/kourou.htm Encyclopedia Aeronautica].
}}

== Local impact ==

The space sector was responsible for about 15% of French Guiana's GDP in 2014, around half of the 28% it was in 1990. This reduction is mostly due to expansion in other sectors, rather than decreasing space activity. As of 2020, the space sector employed 4,620 people in Guiana, meaning the industry was responsible for just under 10% of salaried jobs in the overseas department,<ref>{{cite web |title=Rapport Annuel Économoque Guyane 2020 |url=https://www.iedom.fr/IMG/pdf/rapport_annuel_economique_2020_iedom_guyane-2.pdf |access-date=16 March 2022 |website=IEDOM |page=96 |language=fr}}</ref> though there are estimates that as many as 9,000 people are employed directly and indirectly as a result of activities at the spaceport.<ref name="pledge">{{cite web |last1=Henry |first1=Caleb |title=French space agency pledges 10-million-euro boost to French Guiana economy |url=https://spacenews.com/french-space-agency-pledges-10-million-euro-boost-to-french-guiana-economy/ |website=Space News |date=27 July 2018 |access-date=15 March 2022}}</ref> The Guiana Space Centre (or CSG) is one of the spaceports in the world that receives the most traffic, and it receives large amounts of funding from the European Space Agency (ESA), with the organisation covering around 66% of the spaceport's annual budget, as well as financing new facilities.<ref>{{cite web |last1=European Space Agency |title=Europe's Spaceport |url=https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Europe_s_Spaceport/Europe_s_Spaceport2#:~:text=When%20the%20European%20Space%20Agency,the%20Ariane%20launchers%20under%20development. |publisher=ESA |access-date=16 March 2022}}</ref> Indigenous and local activist groups argue that mainland France is only interested in French Guiana as far as the space centre is concerned, and the funding that the space centre receives is symbolic given the inequity in living standards seen between the department and mainland France.<ref>{{cite news |title=Guyana: Protesters left the Guiana Space Center |url=https://www.la-croix.com/France/Politique/Guyane-Centre-spatial-guyanais-occupe-manifestants-2017-04-05-1200837341 |website=La Croix |date=5 April 2017 |access-date=16 March 2022}}</ref><ref name="hostage">{{cite web |last1=D'Auria |first1=Peter |title=How a handful of South American protestors took Europe's space program hostage |url=https://qz.com/960817/how-a-handful-of-south-american-protestors-in-french-guiana-took-arianespace-and-europes-space-program-hostage/ |website=Quartz |date=17 April 2017 |access-date=16 March 2022}}</ref> For example, despite there being high poverty levels and unemployment rates of over 20% in the department, the cost of living remains high due to a dependence on mainland France for imported food and resources, yet large amounts of funding are invested in the space programme, rather than in public services for the department.<ref>{{cite web |last1=MacDonald |first1=Scott |title=Has anything changed since French Guiana's 2017 social upheaval? |url=https://theglobalamericans.org/2021/04/has-anything-changed-since-french-guianas-2017-social-upheaval/ |website=Global Americans |date=20 April 2021 |access-date=15 March 2022 |archive-date=2 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802042220/https://theglobalamericans.org/2021/04/has-anything-changed-since-french-guianas-2017-social-upheaval/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The department became the site of strikes and protests throughout March and April 2017, which were held to highlight the insecurity and infrastructural issues facing French Guiana. Alongside 30 labour unions who launched strikes, the Collective of 500 Brothers led protests in Kourou, which spread across the entire country, and resonated in mainland France.<ref>{{cite web |title=French Guiana paralysed by general strike |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/3/27/french-guiana-paralysed-by-general-strike |website=AlJazeera |access-date=16 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Breeden |first1=Aurelien |title=Strikes Shut Down French Guiana, With Effects Resonating in Paris |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/27/world/europe/french-guiana-general-strike-france.html |website=New York Times |date=27 March 2017 |access-date=16 March 2022}}</ref> On 21 March 2017, the launch of an Ariane 5 rocket carrying a Brazilian satellite and a South Korean satellite was prevented due to protesters and workers on strike from the CSG blockading the centre.<ref>{{cite news |title=Spaceport protest delays rocket launch in French Guiana |work=BBC News |date=21 March 2017 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-39330971 |access-date=15 March 2022}}</ref> Further strikes and occupation of the space centre meant that the satellites were not launched until May 2017.<ref>{{cite web |title=Strike-delayed European rocket launches in French Guiana |url=https://phys.org/news/2017-05-strike-delayed-european-rocket-french-guiana.html |website=Phys Org |access-date=16 March 2022}}</ref> Negotiations between the French government and Guianese protesters resulted in a rejection of a €1.1 billion offer made by the French, with the Guianese demanding at least €3 billion in aid.<ref name="hostage" /> Since the protests, CNES (National Centre for Space Studies), the French government space agency that operates the spaceport, added an additional €10 million to the €40 million it had already pledged to fund economic and social programmes in French Guiana.<ref name="pledge" />

===Environment===
Space launches have increased aluminium concentrations around the site.<ref name="s399">{{cite web | last=Hollingham | first=Richard | title=When rockets go wrong – protecting the environment from catastrophe | website=BBC Home | date=2024-06-29 | url=https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240627-the-environmental-cost-of-rocket-launches | access-date=2025-02-10}}</ref>

===Colonialism===
Particularly regarding the colonial history the site has been identified as carrying a heritage of [[colonialism]] and [[imperialism]] [[Space colonization|into space]].<ref name="t669">{{cite journal | last=Redfield | first=Peter | title=The Half-Life of Empire in Outer Space | journal=Social Studies of Science | volume=32 | issue=5–6 | date=2002 | issn=0306-3127 | doi=10.1177/030631270203200508 | pages=791–825}}</ref><ref name="r459">{{cite journal | last=Korpershoek | first=Karlijn | title=Accessibility to Space Infrastructures and Outer Space: Anthropological Insights from Europe's Spaceport | journal=International Journal of the Commons | volume=17 | issue=1 | date=December 26, 2023 | issn=1875-0281 | doi=10.5334/ijc.1284 | doi-access=free | pages=481–491}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Spaceflight|South America|France}}
<!-- Please keep entries in alphabetical order & add a short description [[WP:SEEALSO]] -->
{{div col|colwidth=20em|small=yes}}
* [[3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment]]
* [[ESA Centre for Earth Observation]] (ESRIN)
* [[European Astronaut Centre]] (EAC)
* [[European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications]] (ECSAT)
* [[European Space Agency]] (ESA)
* [[European Space Astronomy Centre]] (ESAC)
* [[European Space Operations Centre]] (ESOC)
* [[European Space Research and Technology Centre]] (ESTEC)
* [[ESTRACK|European Space Tracking Network]] (ESTRACK)
* [[French space program]]
{{div col end}}
<!-- please keep entries in alphabetical order -->

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Centre Spatial Guyanais|Guiana Space Centre}}

* {{Official website|www.cnes-csg.fr}} {{in lang|fr}}
* [https://soyouz-mission.cnes.fr/en/soyuz-guiana/home Soyouz in Guiana]
* [http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Europe_s_Spaceport/index.html Europe's Spaceport] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615063947/http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Europe_s_Spaceport/index.html |date=15 June 2012 }} – information from ESA
* [http://stratocat.com.ar/bases/36e.htm List of Stratospheric Balloons launched from CSG] – information from StratoCat
* [http://www.arianespace.com/missions/ Arianespace mission status] – information on current and upcoming Ariane missions; list of past missions

{{CSG launch sites}}
{{Ariane}}
{{Spaceport}}
{{European Space Agency}}{{European launch systems|state=collapsed}}{{Public-sector space agencies}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Guiana Space Centre| ]]
[[Category:European Space Agency facilities]]
[[Category:Kourou]]
[[Category:Rocket launch sites in France]]
[[Category:Space program of France]]
[[Category:1968 establishments in South America]]
[[Category:1968 establishments in France]]
[[Category:CNES]]