Kourou (Guiana Space Centre)

Kourou, located in French Guiana, is home to the Guiana Space Centre, a major spaceport operated by the European Space Agency and Arianespace. It serves as a launching site for satellites and space missions, benefiting from its proximity to the equator, which allows rockets to boost payloads more efficiently into orbit. The facility features extensive launch pads, vehicle assembly buildings, and tracking stations. Its strategic location and infrastructure make it one of the most important commercial spaceports globally, supporting communications, navigation, Earth observation, and scientific research.