Located in Kourou, French Guiana, the Guiana Space Centre (CSG), Europe's Spaceport, has been a key pillar of European independence and strategic access to space for over 45 years. From this unique position near the equator, all generations of European rockets have been launched, including the celebrated Ariane and Vega families. However, the global space market is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by growing commercialization and the emergence of new, agile private companies. In response to these changes, Europe is taking decisive steps to ensure that its spaceport remains competitive, modern, and open to a new generation of launch services.

New agreements have recently been adopted that will define the operation and development of the Guiana Space Centre over the next decade. These agreements form the foundation for the future of European space transportation, adapting the management, financing, and operational use of the centre to a dynamic environment. The goal is clear: to ensure guaranteed access to space for Europe, to foster innovation, and to strengthen competitiveness on the world stage.

Adapting to a new era of spaceflight

The European space economy is growing, and with it, the number of companies and initiatives seeking their place under the sun, or rather, among the stars. Initiatives like the European Launcher Challenge program are designed to encourage the development of new, often smaller and more flexible, European launch systems. These new operators will now be able to use the unique location and state-of-the-art infrastructure of the CSG for launches in all directions, from east to north, opening up new possibilities for different types of missions.

The new governance framework for the spaceport has been updated to accommodate these changes. New responsibilities regarding management, financing, and operational use have been defined, creating a more transparent and efficient system for all stakeholders. One of the key innovations is the establishment of a Launcher Operators Committee, to be organized by the French space agency CNES, whose members will include the European Space Agency (ESA) and all launch service providers. This committee will play a crucial role in coordinating and resolving any potential conflicts over launch schedules, ensuring the fluidity of operations.

Strategic partnership and the future of launch complexes

An ESA–CNES strategic committee has also been established for making key decisions, providing recommendations, monitoring, and coordinating, particularly concerning the long-term vision and future development of the CSG itself. This strengthens the synergy between the two most important institutions behind Europe's Spaceport.

Particularly significant is the provision concerning the future of the Ensemble de Lancement Soyuz (ELS) launch complex. This complex, previously used for launching Russian Soyuz rockets, is now being given a new purpose. Due to changed geopolitical circumstances and the cessation of cooperation, this top-tier infrastructure will be repurposed. The new agreements explicitly provide for the establishment of a launch pad within the ELS complex for the winners of the European Launcher Challenge program, should they choose to launch from French Guiana. This is an extraordinary opportunity for new European companies, as it allows them to use an existing, proven facility, significantly reducing the costs and time required to begin operations. At the same time, access to the CSG range for new service providers has been simplified under certain conditions, further boosting competitiveness.

New generation of European rockets: Ariane 6 and Vega

In parallel with opening the door to new players, Europe is working intensively to secure the future of its proven launch systems. The ESA Council has adopted a resolution by which ESA accepts the mandate to negotiate new arrangements for the exploitation of the Ariane 6 and Vega rockets. These negotiations will be conducted with key industrial partners: Arianespace and ArianeGroup for the Ariane 6 rocket, and with the company Avio for the Vega rocket.

Ariane 6 represents the future of European heavy-lift launch capability. Designed to be more modular and flexible than its predecessor, Ariane 5, it will be able to adapt to various missions, from launching large telecommunications satellites to sending probes into deep space. Its development is crucial for maintaining European competitiveness in the heavy-lift launch segment, where it faces strong competition.

On the other hand, the Vega family of rockets, with its latest version Vega-C, specializes in launching small to medium-sized satellites into low Earth orbits. These rockets are ideal for the growing market of observation satellites, scientific missions, and so-called "constellations" of small satellites. The new agreement with the company Avio will ensure the continuation and optimization of the exploitation of this important European launcher.

Strengthening European autonomy and cooperation

All these measures have a common denominator: strengthening Europe's strategic autonomy. The importance of the CSG is emphasized not only as a technical facility but as the foundation of Europe's ability to independently launch its satellites – whether for navigation (Galileo), Earth observation (Copernicus), scientific research, or security needs. The new agreements will facilitate access to the spaceport for European companies and encourage cooperation with other spaceports in Europe, thereby creating a stronger and more connected European space network.

The transformation of the Guiana Space Centre from a traditional spaceport into a dynamic, multi-user hub is key for the future. By embracing new models of cooperation, opening its doors to commercial initiatives, and continuously investing in its key launch systems, Europe is ensuring that its gateway to space will remain wide open for decades to come.

Source: European Space Agency