The specific nature of the atmospheric phenomena that can develop over French Guiana, especially in poor weather conditions, can endanger the launcher on its launchpad or in flight by exposing it to a number of risks. Some of these risks are calculated and monitored at the CSG Weather Station. As the launcher follows a vertical trajectory before it 'turns over', the conditions within 10 km of the launcher have to be evaluated with extreme precision by meteorologists. Although the weather unit's main mission is to estimate and monitor the meteorological criteria for all Ariane 5 launches, it must also provide everyday weather forecasts, which are used for managing hazardous operations at the launch base, and conduct continuous climatological readings like any other weather station.
Transmitting its data to several key contacts, the CSG weather station serves all parts of the Space base on a daily basis. A dynamic team enables it to come through each of its missions with flying colours. Soon it will also be meeting the needs of Soyuz, as ever in partnership with Météo-France and with the help of a succession of constantly-evolving tools.
