Europe's Spaceport, back to business

Date: Fri, May 29, 2020 | 06:30 - 06:48 GMT | 08:30 - 08:48 CEST

Replay: Fri, May 29, 2020 | 15:00 - 15:18 GMT | 17:00 - 17:18 CEST

Type: ESA TV Exchange

Workers are returning to Europe’s Spaceport at Kourou in French Guiana to resume preparations for Vega and Ariane 5 launches. Construction of the new Ariane 6 launchpad has also restarted in preparation for the launcher’s maiden flight.  

COVID-19 lockdown measures introduced in March meant that all but safety-critical operations were suspended at the spaceport and the vast site had to be secured. Strict new safety and hygiene procedures have now been introduced. Launch teams returning from mainland Europe will spend two weeks in quarantine. 

Vega is due to return to flight this summer with a record 42 satellites on board. 

A-roll contains a new interview with ESA’s Director of Space Transportation, Daniel Neuenschwander, March 2020 drone video of the Ariane 6 launchpad, recently shot phone footage of COVID-19 safety measures and a rare tour beneath the new Ariane 6 launch facilities. 

B-roll also contains further smartphone footage of the spaceport and additional drone and helicopter footage of the Kourou facilities. 

More information at: http://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Europe_s_Spaceport/Europe_s_Spaceport2

Preview and download:
https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2020/05/Europe_s_Spaceport_back_to_business

Script:
2005_019-European Spaceport back to business_FINAL-tc.doc