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Combating malicious acts
Europe’s Spaceport is a strategic facility with important political implications, not only for France but for the whole of Europe. Its facilities or the space systems it operates may be subject to malicious acts of all kinds that need to be prevented or avoided.
Because of its strategic importance, Europe’s Spaceport is classified as a “Priority Defence Facility”. This classification means it has to comply with regulatory measures, which specify for example that sensitive sites must be enclosed and protected both externally (by the Government) and internally (by the operator, in this case CNES).
External security
The Armed Forces of French Guiana are permanently responsible for the Spaceport’s external security and are an integral part of the launch protection system. A few days before lift-off, the Armed Forces step up their measures to prevent any outside intrusion.
The Ariane 6 and Vega-C components arrive in French Guiana at the port of Pariacabo, while the satellites are flown into Félix Éboué airport in Matoury. From the moment they arrive, they are under constant surveillance and escorted by a squadron of mobile police officers as they make their way to Europe’s Spaceport.
Numerous other functions guarantee the security of Europe’s Spaceport in more specific situations. For example, bomb-disposal experts are called in if explosives are found or suspected, and the CNES vulnerability department checks the integrity of equipment when it arrives and before any use.
For the first flight of Ariane 6, French Air and Space Force pilots flying Rafale aircraft oversee the security of the launcher.
Internal security
CNES is responsible for security and protection at Europe’s Spaceport. It applies safety and protection measures for people and property on the site. It also makes sure that security systems are permanently operational, and monitors and controls changes in threats to the Spaceport.
Access control :
Around 130 security guards are involved in protecting and guarding Europe’s Spaceport. They carry out access controls at the various site entrances and ensure compliance with the procedures in place.
All entrances to Europe’s Spaceport are secured by a badge system. They are also programmed to authorise or restrict access for employees of Europe’s Spaceport depending on the sites where they are required to work.
Protecting information systems :
Guaranteeing the safety and security of people, the environment and property also means protecting information systems. Data must be sent and received securely to enable CNES to carry out its mission of monitoring and neutralising the launcher in the event of danger. It is therefore encrypted and monitored by the teams in charge of information system security.