Centre Spatial Guyanais
The Centre Spatial Guyanais (CSG), also known as the Guiana Space Centre, is the main spaceport of France and the European Space Agency (ESA). Located in Kourou, French Guiana, it is one of the busiest spaceports in the world due to its advantageous location near the equator, which provides a boost to rocket launches because of the Earth's rotational speed.
History and Development
- Establishment: The CSG was established in 1964 when France decided to move its space activities from Hammaguir in Algeria to French Guiana after Algerian independence.
- Initial Operations: The first launch from Kourou occurred in 1968 with the Diamant A rocket, which placed a satellite into orbit.
- European Cooperation: By 1975, the European Launcher Development Organisation (ELDO) evolved into the ESA, which took over the management of CSG.
Facilities and Operations
- Launch Pads: CSG features multiple launch complexes for different types of rockets, including:
- Payload Processing Facilities: There are various facilities for satellite and payload preparation.
- Control and Tracking: The spaceport is equipped with control centers, tracking stations, and communication facilities.
Advantages
- Proximity to Equator: Being near the equator, rockets can take advantage of the Earth's rotational speed, providing an additional 1,666 km/h to the launch velocity.
- Overwater Launches: Launches can be directed over the Atlantic Ocean, reducing the risk of debris falling on populated areas.
Recent Developments
- Ariane 6: The new generation of Ariane rockets, Ariane 6, is set to be launched from CSG, aiming to replace the Ariane 5.
- Spaceport Expansion: There have been plans to expand the facilities to accommodate new types of launches, including potential sub-orbital flights.
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