CNES has issued a call for proposals to deploy a swarm of autonomous drones at the Guiana Space Centre for several applications, including perimeter monitoring during launch operations.
The project forms part of the agency’s Flexible, Digital and Sustainable (FDS) programme, a €104 million, five-year initiative aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and achieving a “far-reaching digital transformation.” The call to implement a drone system at the launch facility falls under the Digitisation of the Guiana Space Centre component of the programme.
Security at the Guiana Space Centre is provided by the Forces Armées en Guyane (FAG), the French Armed Forces detachment stationed in French Guiana. Alongside ground units, FAG operates Fennec and Puma helicopters to patrol the site and enforce safety zones during launch operations, with additional air assets such as Rafale fighter jets deployed during French national security missions.
On 4 March, CNES issued a call for proposals for a collaborative drone system to serve as a proof of concept for the use of drones at the Guiana Space Centre. According to the call, the system would support a wide range of applications, including perimeter patrols, surveillance of transfers and crisis situations, facility inspections, and operations during launch sequences.
According to the call, CNES aims to begin deployment of the proof-of-concept system in the last quarter of 2026, with the initial testing phase expected to last 18 months.
In addition to the FDS programme, CNES is also working on the €140 million Guiana Space Centre “New Generation” project, which aims to implement wide-ranging upgrades to the launch facility, including improved cleanrooms, a new radar station and operations centres, as well as environmentally friendly energy systems, including a new solar farm.
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