The visit at the center lasted for about 3 hours. We moved by bus and visited two launch sites and two command centers. We learned there are 5 launch sites: Ariane 4 and Diamante 2 (both decommissioned), Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega (last two under construction, to be completed by end of 2010). Three launch sites are needed so the space center will be able to accommodate all customers’ needs (regarding payload size and orbit type). The command centers were extremely silent, totally opposed to the agitation seen on TV.

Pictures show: Parts/payload, in storage after shipped by plane; Ariane 4 launch site; Ariane 5 launch site; Centre de Lancement 3; Centre de Lancement 3.

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