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The Guiana Space Centre's launch pad for Vega rockets, surrounded by the French Guiana jungle (Photo: Peter Teffer)

Feature

Guiana spaceport undaunted by European newcomers

by Peter Teffer, Kourou, French Guiana,
The Guiana Space Centre's launch pad for Vega rockets, surrounded by the French Guiana jungle (Photo: Peter Teffer)

Seen from a viewing platform at 75 metres high, the positional advantages of the Guiana Space Centre (CSG) become clear.

In one direction, the Atlantic Ocean is visible, with Devil's Island, a former prison colony. In the other: nothing but rainforest, interrupted only by launch pads and buildings part of the CSG.

Apart from some birds of prey circling above the trees, there are no signs of human or animal life.

Considering that rocket launches preferably take place in spar...

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