Can you see a rocket launch from Kourou?
Full view of the pad and ascent. Kourou is the spaceport town. The Carapa observation site on the edge of town looks straight at the launch complex, and Ariane 6 and Vega-C launches are watched from the beach and the Pointe des Roches seafront by everyone else.
Distance to the pad
10 mi
16 km to ELA-4, Guiana Space Centre
Look toward
NW
304° — Kourou
What you'll see
Everything
Full view of the pad and ascent
Next launch there
Sep 15
Sentinel-3C & FLEX
What to expect from here
You see ignition, hear it seconds later, and follow the rocket until stage separation. Bring ear protection for the heavy vehicles.
Best spots in and around Kourou
Carapa observation site
The public viewing hill CNES opens for launches; access is arranged per launch, so check before you go.
Kourou seafront / Pointe des Roches
Free; look northwest along the coast toward the complex.
Toucan site (Agami / Colibri)
Invited guests only — do not plan around it.
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 Kourou?
Full view of the pad and ascent. Kourou is about 10 miles (16 km) from ELA-4, Guiana Space Centre, bearing 304° (NW). You see ignition, hear it seconds later, and follow the rocket until stage separation. Bring ear protection for the heavy vehicles.
Which direction do I look from Kourou?
Face NW (304°) 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.