ESA title

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

Europe’s Spaceport

Latest

Space for Europe
Agency

Upcoming ESA–Industry events prepare for Ministerial Counci…

28/04/2025 1131 views 17 likes
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P160C solid-propellant rocket motor fires on ground
Enabling & Support

P160C fires up successfully, a new chapter for Ariane 6 and…

25/04/2025 1939 views 45 likes
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Vega-C fairing release revealing Biomass
Applications

Watch Biomass launch live

24/04/2025 20796 views 66 likes
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Technical centre at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana
Agency

Industry Days: Spaceport digital and maintenance opportunit…

09/04/2025 1208 views 10 likes
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Enabling & Support

Ariane 6 takes flight for the second time

06/03/2025 10700 views 161 likes
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More items

  • Enabling & Support

    Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana

    17/02/2020 18659 views 135 likes
    Open item
  • Enabling & Support

    Europe's rockets

    02/09/2019 52667 views 276 likes
    Open item
    Europe's rockets
  • Enabling & Support

    ESA Space Transportation

    10/02/2021 2368 views 30 likes
    Open item
    ESA safeguards Europe’s independent access to space
  • Enabling & Support

    Europe's Spaceport seen from space

    05/10/2021 1025 views 10 likes
    Open item
    The launch facilities at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana including the new Ariane 6 launch complex in the centre, are clearly visible from space
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