Overview | Solid booster manufacturing | Integration building | Final assembly building | Launch zone

The Spaceport

Ariane 5 launch site facts

• The ELA-3 launch complex was designed to handle up to 10 Ariane 5 missions per year
• Ariane 5’s streamlined launch campaign typically lasts 20 working days
• The ELA-3 site covers more than 21 square kilometers and including a preparation area for assembly and integration, and the launch zone
• The site’s major launch infrastructure elements are linked by a dual-rail system

Ariane 5 launch site > Solid booster manufacturing

A dedicated facility at the Spaceport produces propellant for the Ariane 5 solid rocket boosters' center and aft segments.

On-site filling of these very large segments – which are loaded with more than 105 metric tons (231,420 lb.) of propellant – eliminates safety problems that would be encountered if they were shipped from Europe.

The segments are processed and handled at the Guiana Space Center in an upright position, avoiding the mechanical stress experienced if they had to be tilted for movement by sea and road.

These center and aft segments are assembled with the Ariane 5's smaller upper segment, which is loaded with propellant in Europe and shipped to French Guiana.

The completed solid booster, equipped with its nozzle is then moved by rail on its pallet to the Ariane 5 Launcher Integration Building.