ELA-4, Guiana Space Center (CSG), Kourou, French Guiana
ELA-4, Guiana Space Center (CSG), Kourou, French Guiana
🚀 ELA-4 Launch Complex – Guiana Space Center (CSG), Kourou, French Guiana
ELA-4 (Ensemble de Lancement Ariane 4) is the newest and most advanced launch complex at the Guiana Space Center (Centre Spatial Guyanais – CSG) in Kourou, French Guiana. Designed specifically for the next-generation Ariane 6 launch vehicle, ELA-4 strengthens Europe’s independent access to space and supports both commercial and institutional missions.
🚀 Rocket Launches
- Ariane 6: The sole rocket launched from ELA-4.
- Ariane 62 (dual booster configuration – medium payloads)
- Ariane 64 (quad booster configuration – heavy payloads)
ELA-4 marks a major upgrade from earlier launch zones (ELA-1, ELA-2, and ELA-3) and positions Europe to remain competitive in the global satellite launch market.
📍 Key Facts
- Location: Guiana Space Center, Kourou, French Guiana
- Launch Pad: ELA-4 (Ariane Launch Complex No. 4)
- Operational Since: 2023
- Primary Rocket: Ariane 6 (Ariane 62 and Ariane 64 configurations)
- Operator: CNES (French Space Agency), in partnership with ESA (European Space Agency) and Arianespace
🛰️ ELA-4 Mission & Purpose
ELA-4 was developed to replace the aging Ariane 5 infrastructure and to support a more flexible, modular, and cost-effective launch service. Ariane 6, the rocket launched from ELA-4, is tailored for a wide range of payloads, including:
- Commercial satellites
- Government missions
- Scientific payloads
- Constellation launches
🏗️ History & Development
- Construction began: 2015
- First launch expected: 2024 (Ariane 6 maiden flight)
- Built adjacent to the existing ELA-3 launch zone (used for Ariane 5)
- Features a mobile gantry, vertical integration building, and advanced launch support systems.
🌐 Strategic Importance
The ELA-4 Guiana Space Centre (CSG), Kourou, French Guiana, is a key element in Europe’s space infrastructure, reinforcing the Guiana Space Center as a leading global launch site. Its location near the equator provides a significant advantage for launching satellites into geostationary and low Earth orbits with maximum efficiency.