The French space agency CNES has opened a public consultation period for the new multi-user microlauncher facility at the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana. The consultation will focus on the site’s environmental authorization and building permit request.
On 17 February, the first of four public consultation sessions into the construction of the new Multi-Launcher Launch Complex (ELM1) at the Guiana Space Centre was held at Kourou Town Hall. This process allows local residents, stakeholders, and organizations to review the project and provide feedback before construction begins. A second session was completed on 23 February, with the remaining two sessions set for 10 and 18 March.
The construction of ELM1 will include common structures like the nodal building, guard post, offices, and storage areas, as well as more specific structures like assembly and preparation buildings, roads, and fences. The project is subject to a building permit, a unique environmental authorization under the regulations for Classified Installations for Environmental Protection, the Water Law, and a request for exemption from the prohibition on the destruction of protected species.
The Evolution of ELM1: From Diamant to Microlaunchers
The final mission launched from the Guiana Space Centre’s Diamant facility lifted off in 1976, after which it was abandoned and left to be reclaimed by the jungle. In 2019, the site was earmarked for revitalization to serve as a testing ground for the Callisto and Themis reusable rocket booster demonstrators. This testing was, however, always going to serve as a temporary justification for the launch facility’s rebirth.
In March 2021, CNES announced plans to transform the old Diamant launch site into a new multi-use facility for commercial microlauncher providers, supporting rockets with payloads of up to 1,500 kilograms.
“The main idea is pooling, with a single launch set to accommodate all the microlaunchers,” explained project manager Nathalie Costedoat at the time of the initial announcement. “The preparation and integration of the launchers will take place in a rear area located about 1 km away, where each company will be able to have mobile equipment.”
In July 2022, CNES pre-selected Avio, HyImpulse, Isar Aerospace, MaiaSpace, PLD Space, Rocket Factory Augsburg, and Latitude to utilize the facility. However, MaiaSpace has since been allocated the Guiana Space Centre’s old Soyuz launch pad for its partially reusable Maia rocket. PLD Space is currently the frontrunner to launch the first rocket from the new facility, with the other providers planning to begin operations elsewhere before eventually utilizing the site in French Guiana.
