Space Center Guyanais Centre Spatial Guyanais

Up to nine space launches are conducted annually from this space center.

Three separate organizations operate here: the Agence Spatiale Européenne (European Space Agency); the Centre National d'Études Spatiales (French Space Agency); and Arianespace (a private commercial enterprise developing the Ariane rocket). Between them, they comprise about 15% the French Guiana's economic activity.

Aided by guides, visitors can see a film tracing the history of the Space Centre, the Jupiter Control Centre, the Ariane No. 2 launch complex where an Ariane 4 launcher is in the assembly hall and the giant Ariane 5 facilities.

In 1964 the French government chose this site of French Guiana's coastline for its proximity to the equator, its location away from storm tracks and earthquake zones and its and low population density.