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A voluntary commitment: ISO 14001
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Theme : The environment


“What does it serve man to win the Moon if he loses 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 dioxide and hydrazine, 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 aluminium oxide 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 take because the quantities to be detected are extremely low.

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) and  the national institute for industrial environments and related risks (Ineris). Water and aquatic fauna are monitored by Hydreco and  avifauna by Ecobios.

The results of these measurement (PME)  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 'Secrétariat Permanent Pour la Prévention des Pollutions Industrielles' (SPPPI ) website (Permanent Office for the Prevention of Industrial Pollution) .

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.

Special equipment for detecting leaks, pressure and fire ensures permanent surveillance. The duty personnel are on call day and night.

Losses during satellite filling are very slight, not exceeding two or three litres per satellite. Lost substances are trapped and neutralised.
 

Environment is everybody's responsibility at the Guiana Space Centre

Intending to make environment a higher priority and to work continuously on the reduction of risk and potential impact the CSG decided for an ISO 14001 certification . This certification is not obligatory but voluntary. The first report from the ISO certification audit astonished all concerned in 2004. It revealed that the greatest effort is not to be made on an industrial level but concerns appropriate individual behaviour. Since then considerate effort has been made to inform employees on possible ways of economising energy and natural resources like:

 

  • switching off lights, computers and printers when not required,
  • reducing paper consumption,
  • strengthening the recycling habit for batteries and ink cartridges,
  • choosing to walk rather than drive for short journeys
  • drive more slowly.

 

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