Paris (ESA) Oct 25, 2021 On 21 October 2011, the first pair of Galileo navigation satellites was...
On 21 October 2011, the first pair of Galileo navigation satellites was launched by a Russian-built Soyuz rocket from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.
The introduction of Russia's Soyuz 2 rocket to Europe's Spaceport was a milestone of strategic cooperation in the space transportation sector between Europe and the Russian Federation, and an exciting new opportunity for ESA. ESA's Ariane 5 rocket at the Spaceport met all requirements for launching large satellites, while ESA's Vega rocket - still under development at that time - would serve the small satellite market.
It was found that the reliable Russian Soyuz would consolidate European access to space for medium-sized satellites, thereby complementing the ESA developed launch vehicles, Ariane 5 and Vega, increasing the flexibility of launch services from Europe's Spaceport.
Russia's space programme would receive additional income through the launch of satellites and spacecraft from one of the world's most attractive and best-placed launch sites, Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.
Europe's Spaceport is located five degrees north of the equator enabling a wide range of missions launched eastwards to northwards.
In February 2007, construction of a launch site for Soyuz some 13 km northwest of the Ariane launch complexes started at Europe's Spaceport.
The main change made by Europe's Spaceport to the operational procedures developed in Baikonur was the integration process, with the introduction of a mobile gantry protecting the rocket from the weather in the lead up to launch and enabling vertical integration of the upper composite.
The construction of the Soyuz launch site was officially completed on 7 May 2011 and Europe's Spaceport was ready for the first Soyuz liftoff from French Guiana.
On 21 October 2011, Soyuz made its inaugural, three-hour 49-minute flight, successfully deploying two Galileo satellites and starting a new era of launch capability at Europe's Spaceport.
To date there have been 25 Soyuz launches from Europe's Spaceport.