With the coming of New Space, France and Europe are seeing a surging interest in developing new micro- and mini-launcher systems to send small satellites into low Earth orbit. And in Kourou, French Guiana, the Guiana Space Centre is ideally located and has extensive experience in space launch. It’s here, on the storied launch pad where the Diamant rocket took flight, that these microsatellite launch systems will soon be taking up residence—systems developed and operated by private start-ups from the new space economy.

Five things to know about this emblematic reconversion project that embodies the transformation of the space economy and the role of our national space agency in supporting and accompanying new players in the space ecosystem.

In what way does this new multi-launcher complex in Kourou mark a new step forward for French and European space?

The Guiana Space Centre (CSG), operated by CNES, is the historic launch base for France’s launchers and subsequently for the European Space Agency (ESA).

Two launchers currently operate out of the Kourou launch base: Ariane 6 and the Vega-C light launcher, both developed by ESA. The new multi-launcher complex aims to give micro- and mini-launchers developed by private firms access to the CSG. For the first time in the launch base’s history, starting in 2026 the two European launchers will operate alongside launchers developed by New Space start-ups looking to capture the market for satellites in low Earth orbit weighing less than 1,500 kilograms, a market that has registered constant growth over the last 10 years. The opening of this new launch complex will boost business in Kourou and diversify the range of launch services offered by Europe’s spaceport.

What advantages does the CSG offer micro- and mini-launchers?

Firms operating at the new launch complex will benefit from the 60-year legacy of Europe’s spaceport and its top-level services. CNES organizes and coordinates launch operations as well as the protection of people, property and the environment during launches.

The CSG’s ideal near-equatorial location and its 50-kilometre seaboard afford a unique range of orbital inclinations and launch azimuths (the trajectory of the launcher after lift-off). The site is also safe from hurricane and seismic risks.

Why was the historic Diamant launch site chosen?

The ELM project consisted in giving a makeover to a storied launch site. Owned by CNES, it operated Diamant rocket launches in the 1970s, enabling France to become a top-tier space power (see box). Now renamed ELM*, the site is able to employ existing utilities and networks, thus reducing refurbishment costs and the project’s environmental footprint. Its shared facilities are being funded by CNES through the France 2030 investment plan, to the tune of €50 million.

* For Ensemble de Lancement Multi-lanceurs in French

How many private operators are expected at the ELM-Diamant complex?

ELM-Diamant will be able to accommodate a maximum of five micro/mini-launchers, and five firms have signed preliminary contracts for a feasibility phase.

The next step will be the signature of development contracts between micro/mini-launcher firms and CNES to provide specific facilities for each one. These may be built by the firms themselves or by CNES if they so request. A first contract has already been signed with PLD Space at the Paris Air Show (see box).

Besides these firms, the Diamant site will also accommodate preparations and operate flights of the Callisto demonstrator to test the concept of a reusable launcher first stage.

What types of micro- and mini-launchers are planned, and for what types of mission?

The launchers down-selected are two- or three-stage liquid propulsion rockets targeting a diverse range of missions (observation, telecommunications, navigation, etc.) and satellites (single satellite or cluster launches). The only constraint for firms operating from the Diamant complex is that their launchers’ lift capacity must not exceed 1,500 kilograms into low Earth orbit.

With its new Operations Centre, the CSG will have the capacity to conduct 30 to 40 launches per year, all launchers included.