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Launched in the 1970s, the Ariane programme is inextricably linked with Europe’s spaceport. Built on work carried out by the French space agency, it is one of the flagship projects supported by Europe in space to achieve independent access to space.

The first launcher project developed by Europe, Europa 1 and its successor Europa 2 were failures. They would nevertheless lay the foundations for Europe’s next space success, the Ariane programme.

Initially intended as the French launch base, Europe’s spaceport has transcended national borders to become the guarantor of Europe’s independent access to space.

Diamant, France’s first satellite launcher, began its career in 1965 at Hammaguir in Algeria, and went on to carry out eight launch missions, putting seven satellites into orbit from the French Guiana Space Centre between 1970 and 1975.

Before launchers placing satellites into orbit, the French Guiana Space Centre first hosted launches of sounding rockets.

In 1968, French Guiana became France’s gateway to space. More than half a century later, it has taken on an even more significant role to become the European launch base.

: Europe’s spaceport invites you to a unique exploration combining memory, innovation and wonder on 20 September 2025, starting at 8 a.m., to celebrate European Heritage Days.

Behind the launchers and launch pad facilities at Europe’s spaceport lies a pristine natural environment, teeming with exceptional wildlife. View the picture gallery to meet the base’s four-legged inhabitants.

On 12 August 2025, at 21:37 local time (00:37 UTC, 2:37 CEST on 13 August), Ariane 6 successfully launched the Metop-SGA1 satellite.

To ascertain where the launcher is and what its operating status is during flight, tracking radars and telemetry antennas track it at all times.

As flight VV27 prepares for launch on 25 July, teams at Europe’s spaceport are putting their world-class expertise to good use looking after and preparing the MicroCarb and CO3D satellites.

The French space agency/Local Education Authority grant awards ceremony was held on 18 July 2025 in the Jupiter room at Europe’s spaceport.