CNES Invites Micro and Mini Launch Operators to Apply to Operate From Guiana Space Center

PARIS (CNES PR) — On Monday, December 20, 2021, CNES launched a call for applications to host micro and mini-launchers at the Guiana Space Centre, thus expressing, in close collaboration with ESA, its desire to open the spaceport of the Europe to new operators. Applicants have until January 31, 2022 to submit their application.

With the advent of New Space, Europe is experiencing a flourishing interest in the development of new micro and mini-launch systems. Among the operators of these new launch systems, some have already expressed their interest in carrying out their launches from the Guiana Space Centre located in Kourou, French Guiana, the latter offering a particularly favorable geographical location for the realization of certain launches as well as a long experience of more than 50 years in the field.

In order to complete the launch offer proposed by Arianespace with the Ariane 6 and Vega launchers, CNES has decided to publish this call for applications. This will make it possible to get to know the interested entities in full and to pre-select a first group of micro / mini-launchers operators who will be hosted at the CSG, once ESA’s agreement has been obtained according to the procedures in force.

The Diamant site was selected by CNES to accommodate the micro/mini-launchers of tomorrow. Its installations will be made up of common means (access road, power supply, etc.) that can be used for several launchers, as well as means specific to each launcher (launching table, assembly building, etc.).

Applications will be assessed according to the maturity of the submitted project (technical, programmatic, financial, commercial and calendar), as well as their social, economic and environmental impact.

To apply: https://entreprises.cnes.fr/fr/appel-candidature-micro-mini-lanceurs-csg