2024 at Europe’s spaceport

The year 2024 marks a turning point for the European space sector, thanks in particular to Ariane 6’s eagerly awaited maiden flight and Vega-C’s return to flight, which will enable Europe to regain autonomous access to space.

In 2023, the combined Ariane 6 tests at Europe’s spaceport were successful, clearly demonstrating the robustness of this new system. The target date for the maiden flight is currently between mid-June and the end of July 2024. Ariane 6’s first commercial flight is scheduled for before the end of the year.

With this new launcher, Europe will be able to increase its launch capacity, accommodate satellites of all sizes and adapt to all types of missions, carrying communications satellites, Earth observation satellites, planetary exploration satellites and global positioning satellites.  

The priority for the maiden Ariane 6 flight will therefore be to pursue the launcher’s qualification objectives. For this first launch, Ariane 6 will not be carrying any commercial satellites, but 9 CubeSats under its fairing, 5 experiments that will not be separated from the launcher, 2 deployers* and 2 atmospheric re-entry capsules.

* deployer denotes a system that contains one or more CubeSats and releases/deploys them. 

The last quarter of 2024 will mark the return to flight of the Vega-C light-lift launch vehicle, carrying the third Sentinel-1C satellite in the Copernicus programme. This Earth observation satellite will provide essential radar images for a wide range of services, applications and scientific research activities. Operated from Europe’s spaceport, Vega-C will extend Europe’s autonomy in space by enabling new missions, including return-to-Earth operations with the European Space Agency’s Space Rider, a reusable atmospheric re-entry vehicle.

The Vega launch vehicle will lift off for the last time from Europe’s spaceport before handing over the baton to its successor, Vega-C.

“Europe’s spaceport is more attractive than ever.” 

Philippe Baptiste, , Chairman and CEO of the CNES

In 2024, Europe’s spaceport will become a full-fledged “airport” with multiple operators 

Following the ESA Ministerial Council meeting in Seville last November, AVIO will be marketing its own flights in 2024. For Europe’s spaceport, this means that AVIO becomes a new launch operator in addition to Arianespace. It will temporarily operate the former Ariane 5 launch pad for its future Vega-E launch vehicle until ELA 2’s upgrade is completed.

In December 2021, the CNES launched an invitation to tender to open up Europe’s spaceport to mini- and micro-launcher operators. Seven candidates have been selected to support operators of mini- and micro-launchers: AVIO S.p.A (Italy), HyImpulse Technologies GmbH (Germany), Isar Aerospace (Germany), MaiaSpace (France), Payload Aerospace (Spain), Rocket Factory (Germany), Latitude (ex-Venture Orbital Systems, France).

In 2024, the former Diamant launch site will continue to be adapted to accommodate these mini- and micro-launchers, as well as the CALLISTO demonstrator. Its facilities will comprise common resources (access road, power supply, etc.) that can be used for several launchers, as well as resources specific to each launcher (launch platform, assembly building, etc.).

The Soyuz Launch Complex will be adapted to accommodate two new medium-lift launchers: one selected by France and one by ESA as part of the challenge decided at the Seville Council meeting in November.

Projects tested at Europe’s spaceport

As the driving force behind France’s space ambitions, the French space agency is continuing to support and develop ground and flight demonstrator projects. Some of them, such as the PERSEUS student project and the Mésange project by French start-up Opus Aeropsace, will be tested at Europe’s spaceport in 2024.

Projects to reduce the energy consumption and carbon footprint of Europe’s spaceport will continue in 2024, including:

- the implementation of a new energy architecture;
- building renovation;
- the installation of solar farms: the first solar farm will be operational by mid-year;
- the HYGUANE (HYdrogène GUyanais A Neutralité Environnementale—Environmentally Neutral Hydrogen in French Guiana) project, the first green hydrogen production facility in French overseas territories.

Once again this year, space will bring the people of French Guiana together for a number of key events:

- the maiden launch of Ariane 6; 
- the 60th anniversary of the creation of Europe’s spaceport; 
- the 2024 Olympic Games, including the torch relay at Europe’s spaceport.

The Space Museum will reopen in 2024. After a complete renovation, the museum will be a fun, interactive interpretation centre. Click here for details about current progress.