The gendarmerie at the core of the Space Centre's security system

The French gendarmerie participates in surveillance of the Space Centre. Whether during launches or outside launch campaigns, it carries out daily protection missions. Its wide range of capabilities allows it to perform several types of activities in different settings.

A central role

Since the Space Centre is classified as a high Defence priority, the gendarmerie is called on to help ensure its security. It provides 24-hour surveillance of the Kourou area, even outside launch campaigns. A mobile squad of 90 gendarmes perform this mission. Why is a mobile squad used when surveillance is supposed to be permanent? Because they are specialised in peace-keeping and combat missions, whereas the local gendarmes concentrate more on crime prevention. They are also free of family ties and are therefore more readily available for their missions.

Missions outside launch campaigns

There are three missions :

• intelligence gathering concerning to maintain law and order and prevent threats from criminal activity or terrorism;
• close surveillance of the Space Centre;
• operations for the Protection and Safety Department in case of need.

These arrangements can of course be reinforced in the event of any clear threat, or if the government imposes it as a part of the French anti-terrorist plan, Vigipirate.

Daily missions operate out of three stations :

• A station on the route de l'espace inside the Space Centre. The gendarmes make regular patrols in the area and are constantly on call for any need.
• A station on Ile Royale where two gendarmes are based permanently to protect launch facilities. They also keep the island itself under surveillance and detect any unusual visits.
• A station at Kourou to ensure the security of Space Centre facilities (residences, offices etc.) in the town.

A squad also escorts launcher parts as they travel to the Centre by road from the port at Kourou or the airport at Cayenne.

Activities during launch campaigns

During launch campaigns, the arrangements increase in intensity up until D-Day. The following missions are carried out :

• intelligence gathering operations are intensified;
• surveillance is tightened around the zone with vehicle checks outside and traffic restrictions inside the zone;
• reconnaissance patrols are made on the Malmanoury River;
• air reconnaissance patrols are made along the coastal area near the Space Centre;
• surveillance of Kourou and the facilities that play a role in the launch procedure, such as the Montagne des Pères.

The local gendarmes carry out intelligence gathering operations, criminal investigations and also participate in Space Centre surveillance. Their crime prevention role leads to their accompanying the military, who are not themselves authorised to arrest civilians.

During launch campaigns, they are reinforced by a mobile squadron of 60 gendarmes with 2 armoured vehicles. The airborne section provides support with an Ecureuil helicopter for reconnaissance and observation flights. The maritime brigade protects the Space Centre’s own ships and can also be called upon for inspections around the Iles du Salut and up to 10 nautical miles from the coast.