Theme : The environment

“What shall it profit mankind if he gain the Moon and lose the Earth?” François Mauriac

Measurements guaranteed by outside experts

In order to minimise any ecological damage caused by Space activities, CNES/CSG has taken several measures concerning transport, storage, waste matter, etc.

Each year CNES/CSG measures and evaluates the impact of Ariane 5 launches on the environment. The purpose of this annual plan is to :

• measure concentrations of hydrochloric acid, nitrogen peroxide or hydrazines, at Kourou, Sinnamary, the Technical Centre and the launch observation sites after every launch ;
• measure near field (less than a kilometre from the launch zone) and far field (more than six kilometres) concentrations of alumina, hydrochloric acid or hydrogen chloride ;
• monitor water quality in the flame chutes at the launch zone ;
• for certain launches, evaluate the impact on the avifauna (or winged fauna), vegetation and chemical changes affecting the quality of the water in the Karouabo River.

Outside experts

Each time Ariane 5 lifts off, the exhaust resulting from combustion of the launcher’s propellants (around five hundred tonnes) is dispersed in the atmosphere. This pollution only occurs at specific times (for each launch), which is not at all the case of that produced by other activities such as road or air traffic.

Ground samples reveal quite significant concentrations of alumina and hydrochloric acid pollution at the launch zone, within a one-kilometre radius. Further away, very little seems to fall back to Earth.

These measurements are difficult to acquire. The quantities to be detected are tiny. In order to ensure the objectivity of the results, the CSG calls on outside experts to carry out the measurement plans. They are performed by organisations such as the national institute for agronomical research (INRA), the development research institute (IRD), the national institute for Industrial environments and related risks (Ineris), Hydreco for monitoring water and aquatic fauna, and Ecobios for avifauna.

The results of these measurement plans are published openly and can be obtained on request from the Range Safety and Environment Department or the French Government service, the DRIRE, via the SPPPI website.

Jean-Pierre Trinchero, head of the Range Safety and Environment Department, is confident about the results. To some who doubt their reliability, Mr Trinchero replies that the Department’s intention is to better inform and communicate with the public: "We plan to make these data easier to understand, both for CSG personnel and for the general public." At the same time, research is going ahead on the production of less polluting fuels to reduce their impact on the environment, as well as on long term analyses of the impact on the atmosphere and the stratosphere.

Several protective measures

In order to protect the environment, the Guiana Space Centre Spatial (CSG) pays particular attention to the transport, storage and filling procedures applied for substances used for launcher and satellite propulsion.

Transport is kept under maximum security: this involves planning, informing the appropriate authorities, using properly adapted trucks and qualified drivers, observing mandatory speed limits, all under escort by the gendarmerie and/or the CNES Transport Department. To avoid using main roads, dangerous substances are brought in through the port of Pariacabo.

Storage is also a top security issue. The chemical substances used for propelling spacecraft are stored in a separate zone, with restricted access and a controlled security perimeter. Permanent surveillance is ensured by equipment for detecting leaks, pressure and fire and duty personnel are always on call.

Losses during satellite filling are very slight, not exceeding two or three litres per satellite. Lost substances are trapped and neutralised. In the next two or three years, this waste will no longer be burnt off but eliminated by bacterial treatment, thus avoiding all pollution.

Further measures are in the pipeline according to Jean-Pierre Trinchero who says, "CNES is currently developing a more efficient processing unit for gaseous effluents."

 

The decision to apply for certification

For the last two years, waste management has been contracted out to Endel, which is itself certified ISO 14001. Documents certifying that the processing has been successfully carried out are forwarded to Endel.
ISO 14001 certification is not obligatory but voluntary. It makes it possible to have detailed reports on sites or activities that are potentially dangerous for the environment.
The first report from the ISO certification audit astonished all concerned, and particularly Jean Pierre Trinchero, by revealing that the greatest effort to be made is not on an industrial level but concerns appropriate individual behaviour.

All possible ways of economising energy and natural resources must be considered: this means personnel should switch off lights, computers and printers when not required, reduce paper consumption, strengthen the recycling habit for batteries and ink cartridges, choose to walk rather than drive for short journeys and to drive more slowly etc. "From this point of view, our ISO 14001 project brings enterprise closer to citizenship. Both business and individual citizens us must adopt behaviour that will protect the environment at every level" remarks Jean-Pierre Trinchero. Respecting the environment is everybody's responsibility. For a business, certification can improve its public image, so it becomes a competitive advantage while also helping to guarantee the future of our planet. Further information -Ariane launch reports on the website of the permanent secretariat for the prevention of industrial polluion (SPPPI) .