/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/b9/f5/b9f5b030-68ff-4b2f-8c6a-e0a179861e0b/illustration_1_web.jpg "Scientific Transformation: From Jungle Prison to Renowned Spaceport")
The European spaceport located near Kourou, French Guiana, is a significant launch site for rockets. Situated on the beautiful Salvation Islands, this spaceport is just a stone’s throw away from an active spaceport. I had the opportunity to explore these islands as part of my research on the social and cultural impacts of the space industry on local communities. My work is part of the ARIES project, a team of researchers investigating the influence of outer space on people worldwide.
One of the aspects I’m particularly interested in is how this European spaceport ended up in South America and what it means for the surrounding communities. It’s fascinating to see how the town of Kourou has transformed into what it is today. On one hand, it proudly embraces its identity as a “space city” with mock-up rockets, billboards from space agencies, and even graffiti of monkeys in spacesuits. On the other hand, space seems distant from the daily lives of most people in Kourou, as they face common challenges like power cuts and poor internet connections.
The disparities in living standards are also evident in Kourou, with affluent beachfront villas for the space industry’s higher-ups and more modest housing for engineers and scientists. There are also specific neighborhoods, such as the “Village Amerindian” and “Village Saramaca,” created to accommodate people who were displaced when the Space Center claimed their land.
To understand the history of the spaceport in Kourou, we need to trace back to Algeria. France had a launch base in Hammaguir, Algeria, which was terminated due to Algeria’s fight for independence. In search of a replacement site, the French space agency considered 14 potential locations and eventually chose Kourou. The favorable weather conditions, latitude, and infrastructure made it an ideal operational spaceport. Additionally, the political stability of French Guiana, as an overseas department of France, contributed to its selection.
It’s important to acknowledge the dark past of French Guiana as a penal colony, where prisoners endured extreme hardships while building infrastructure for the region. The Salvation Islands, known for their isolation and torment, housed political prisoners like Alfred Dreyfus. The memoir of Henri Charrière, titled Papillon, sheds light on the harsh realities faced by prisoners in French Guiana. Many prisoners did not survive, but the remnants of the prisons can still be seen today.
Despite its dark history, French Guiana is now a thriving ecosystem, rich in wildlife and natural beauty. The proximity to the equator makes it an ideal habitat for various animals, including marine turtles and the scarlet ibis. The untouched forests and remote villages make it a haven for nature enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, is not just a launching site for rockets but a place where history, culture, and nature converge. Its impact on the surrounding communities, both positive and challenging, is a subject of ongoing research. Exploring the intricate connections between outer space and local communities reveals fascinating narratives waiting to be discovered.
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
