Europe and spaceport

» By maddona | the 01-31-2010 at 20:04 | 24 views (14 unique) | 1 comment | Report post!

The European rocket launch site in French Guiana may have become the world's most important commercial satellite spaceport, but Sue Nelson finds that its boom is alienating the locals.

No-one forgets their first rocket launch. Mine was an Ariane 4 in the Amazonian Basin.

The rocket rose breathtakingly and unexpectedly slowly - and in complete silence. Sound is a tortoise compared to the speed of light and it takes time before a deep rumble accompanies the visuals.

On my return to the Guiana Space Centre, the first immediate difference I notice is Cayenne's Rochambeau airport.

In 1999 the terminal had recently opened and resembled an empty warehouse. Today you are greeted by the sight of rental car offices, a cafe with wireless internet and an area devoted to French Guiana's most important attraction: Kourou's spaceport.

On the drive to Kourou, roads are lined with coconut palms and banana trees - very South American.



Bookmark and Share

Share your opinion - write a comment
It is possible to comment on a post, eventhough you do not have a user. However, the name and e-mail address is mandatory.
Name: 
E-mail address: 
 
Comment:
Enter the safety code in the field bellow:

chopstick
chopstick
the 01-31-2010 at 22:26
Interesting indeed.

Other exciting blogposts

South Korean Stole 1,200 Pairs of Shoes
South Korean Stole 1,200 Pairs of Shoes
A South Korean who stole 1,200 pairs of expensive shoes from funeral homes while posing as a mourner has been arres... Read more
Can you look at a golden Labrador without thinking of Andrex?
Can you look at a golden Labrador without thi
"What’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet." All very well in a Shakespear... Read more
Medicals
Medicals
I've been dreading having my medical for a while now but I couldn't put it off any longer so this week I ha... Read more