FRANCE-RUSSIA-OVERSEAS-GUIANA-SPACE
The European Space Agency logo is seen on a former rocket launch complex site at Kourou in French Guiana on February 13, 2026. Between 2011 and 2022, Russia launched Soyuz rockets from Kourou, in French Guiana, taking advantage of its proximity to the equator, which was more favorable than Baikonur for certain missions. It was abandoned overnight after Russias aggression against Ukraine in response to European sanctions. The Russian teams left in haste, leaving behind an operation frozen in time.
It was only in 2024 that this launch complex was assigned to the French start-up MaiaSpace, which is developing the first reusable European launcher, whose maiden flight, delayed, is scheduled for the end of 2026. (Photo by Ronan LIETAR / AFP)
foto Ronan Lietar
FotoID: HN:20260218504038
