Europe’s Spaceport

Europe’s Spaceport allows for independent, reliable access to space for Europe. On French territory in South America, it is home to the ESA-developed rocket families of Ariane and Vega. Situated 500 km north of the equator, rockets gain extra performance thanks to a ‘slingshot effect’ from the speed of Earth’s rotation. More than 240 launches since 1990 have served customers from all around the world. Europe's Spaceport is working towards 90% renewable energy sources by the end of 2025. This launch base and the jungle that surrounds it covers 690 km² and protects an abundance of wildlife and plants.

Key dates

1968: First launch (Veronique)
1970: First Diamant launch
1979: First Ariane launch
1988: First Ariane 4 launch
1996: First Ariane 5 launch
2011: First Soyuz launch
2012: First Vega launch
2022: First Vega-C launch
2024: First Ariane 6 launch with two boosters
2026: First Ariane 6 launch with four boosters

690 km²
5°3' latitude
1700 employees
42 companies on site

Science & Exploration

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