Europe’s Spaceport Archive
Europe's gateway to space, French Guiana
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
