ELA-1/2 launch pads at Kourou

The first Ariane vehicles were launched from the ELA-1 complex at the Kourou, French Guiana site. ELA-1 was closed down in December 1989 and finally dismantled in 1991. It was replaced by ELA-2 to handle the more powerful Ariane-4 vehicles. ELA-2's service tower can be seen in the background, connected by rail to the Vertical Assembly Building (VAB). ELA-1 required vehicles to be stacked on the pad, limiting launch campaigns to 2-month intervals. ELA-2/3 assemble the rockets on a mobile launch platform in separate buildings before transferring them to the pad. [Image Date: 06-06-84] [84.07.021-837]