The name Kourou has become synonymous with that of Arianespace, but the European launcher organisation is only a user of the launch site.
The CSG is operated by the French space agency CNES but was developed with funds from the member states of the European Space Agency (ESA).
Kourou can be likened to an airport, operated by an "authority" (in this case, CNES) and used by an "airline", Arianespace. While Arianespace controls the launch operation just before launch, the CSG as "air-traffic control" directs launch operations from Jupiter 2.
ESA funded the Ariane 1-4 development programmes and is similarly funding the development of the Ariane 5 before Arianespace takes over commercial operations. In "airport" terms, ESA could be compared to a Government transportation department.
There may eventually be other airlines, or spacelines, like Arianespace operating from Kourou. The potential for commercial launches of other countries' boosters from the site has been discussed and such a move is seen as a natural evolution for the CSG. There is no question, however, of an Ariane competitor being considered. The most likely booster would be one which meets needs which cannot be provided by Europe, such as a small Russian Cosmos-type,launcher.
Using Kourou to launch boosters from other nations reflects the view of Arianespace chairman Charles Bigot. He believes that space transportation in the 21st century will require regular launch capability into many types of orbit - to serve the increasing variety of satellite services, to support the International Space Station and for scientific exploration. Europe, he says, has two major assets to support these needs - the Ariane 5 and of the Kourou launch pad.
International co-operation is an important part of the European space programme and the offer of launch services from Kourou should be seen as part of this goal, says Bigot, but no negotiations or discussions have yet been held with any potential interested parties.
Source: Flight International
