Can you see a rocket launch from Cayenne?
The whole ascent, low on the horizon. Cayenne is about an hour's drive down the coast from the spaceport. Liftoff is below the horizon, but the rocket rises into view to the northwest within seconds, and a night Ariane 6 launch is visible across the city.
Distance to the pad
38 mi
61 km to ELA-4, Guiana Space Centre
Look toward
NW
305° — Kourou
What you'll see
The ascent
The whole ascent, low on the horizon
Next launch there
Sep 15
Sentinel-3C & FLEX
What to expect from here
Liftoff itself is behind the curve of the Earth, but the rocket rises into view within seconds and you follow it for two to three minutes. Night and twilight launches are spectacular.
Best spots in and around Cayenne
Fort Cépérou hill, old town
Elevated, with a view up the coast to the northwest.
Drive to Kourou (about 1 h on the RN1)
Carapa or the seafront for the real thing.
Making the trip? The full Kourou viewing guide has the pad-side spots, road closures and timing.
Upcoming launches from Kourou
Frequently asked
Can you see rocket launches from Cayenne?
The whole ascent, low on the horizon. Cayenne is about 38 miles (61 km) from ELA-4, Guiana Space Centre, bearing 305° (NW). Liftoff itself is behind the curve of the Earth, but the rocket rises into view within seconds and you follow it for two to three minutes. Night and twilight launches are spectacular.
Which direction do I look from Cayenne?
Face NW (305°) toward Kourou. The rocket rises from that point on the horizon and arcs downrange — for Kourou launches that generally means east or northeast over the Atlantic.
How long does a launch stay visible?
Two to three minutes for the first stage, sometimes longer at night when the second-stage plume is sunlit. Twilight launches — just after sunset or before sunrise — produce the biggest, longest-lasting displays.