Kourou, Space center town in French Guiana, France
Kourou is a coastal town at the mouth of the Kourou River in French Guiana with a port facing the Atlantic Ocean and four surrounding hills. The settlement spreads along the river bank between the hills named Carapa, Pariacabo, Café, and Lombard.
The town developed from 1854 as a French penal colony where prisoners faced harsh conditions until 1944. After World War II, it transformed into a modern space center.
Kourou is home to Kalina indigenous people, Creoles, Maroons, and migrants from Brazil and Suriname, whose presence shapes local festivals, food, and daily customs. Walking through the town, you encounter this mix of influences in street markets, restaurants, and community gatherings.
The town is easily reached from Cayenne, and most areas are accessible on foot or by local transport. The tropical climate calls for light clothing and protection from sun and insects.
The location roughly 500 kilometers north of the equator offers advantages for launching satellites into geostationary orbits. This proximity to the equator allows energy savings for the European spaceport.
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