Guiana Space Centre

Ideally located near the equator for all types of launches, the Guiana Space Centre (CSG) is operated for the European Space Agency (ESA) and Arianespace. As the launch base owner, CNES organizes and coordinates all launch operations and is responsible for range safety on behalf of France. The agency employs about 260 people at the base.

CNES headquarters

CNES headquarters in the heart of Paris is the central hub shaping and implementing French space policy, responsible for the agency’s strategic planning and priority programmes. About 200 people work there.

Launch Vehicles Directorate

Located in Evry, the Launch Vehicles Directorate’s 240 or so employees assure ongoing qualification of the Ariane 5 launcher, support its production on behalf of Arianespace and are responsible for development of the first stage of the new Vega launcher.
The Launch Vehicles Directorate is also preparing for the future, leading R&D actions and demonstrator projects to develop the building blocks of a new-generation launcher.

Toulouse Space Centre

The 1,700 employees at the Toulouse Space Centre (CST) work closely with industry and scientific research laboratories to develop complete orbital systems from satellite and instrument conception through to commissioning. The CST is currently managing 30 space projects and also hosts the control centre for Europe’s Automatic Transfer Vehicle (ATV).