Entrance to Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana

Entrance of Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana with Jupiter control room, and Ariane 5 mockup.

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.