Facilities
Ariane and Vega launch complexes
The launchers that lift off from the GSC are, for their preparation, entitled to a complex of facilities adapted to their specific characteristics.
Production and preparation of launcher stages
While some of the components of the launchers arrive in French Guiana by ship, other components, such as certain stages, are produced and prepared at the GSC. The centre also has several plants for producing gases and fluids which are essential to the launch sequence and pre-launch preparation operations.
Satellite preparation
Before the launch, the satellites are prepared in cleanroom facilities, where they are protected from dust, temperature changes and humidity.
Weather station
The launch, and also certain preparation operations, depend on a number of meteorological parameters. The GSC has therefore had a weather station since its inception in 1968.
Antennas and radars
From lift-off until the satellites are put into orbit, it is essential to ensure that the launcher is working properly. A network of antennas and radars is used to perform this task.
Jupiter Control Centre
The Jupiter Control Centre is the Guiana Space Centre’s control tower from which operations are coordinated during a launch.
Launch centres
It is from the Launch centres that GSC operators control the lift-off of each launcher, in coordination with the Jupiter 2 Control Centre.
Technical Centre
Home to half of GSC’s employees, the Technical Centre is the hub for several types of GSC activities, from administration and logistics to launch operations.