Still images

The image may not move, but the same cannot be said for the optical team, which reacts promptly to ensure delivery of the various image products in near real-time.

* Inspection photos take up around 75% of photo activity time. Intended for Arianespace and EADS-Astrium, these technical photos record certain mechanical and electrical phases in the presence of a Quality supervisor. The five launches which took place in 2006 resulted in 616 inspections, and generated 19,899 photos: nearly a hundred a day during the campaigns.

* Campaign coverage photos are also in great demand. From day one, the photographers are on the spot to capture live all the campaign's dynamic phases: arrival of the launcher and satellites, erection of the EPS and EAP, hoisting of the bay, the various transfers, etc.

These photos are disseminated by email in real time and in low resolution, to enrich the various information tools at CNES/CSG, Arianespace and ESA. High-definition images are then compiled on interactive CD-ROMs, which are released to the three first-level customers three days after the launch.  These interactive CD-ROMs include photos, a few video sequences and computer-generated images of the flight.  The best images are selected and printed to be exhibited on the stand at Rochambeau airport and at the Space Museum.

* Photos of events at the Base and construction site coverage are taken on request.  Some publications, such as Latitude 5, call upon the services of the Optical team, as do the communications departments of CNES and Arianespace, depending on the operations that have been organised or during certain visits to the Base.

* Photos of launches require rapid computer processing, to enable them to be delivered within 14 hours, following validation by CNES and Arianespace, in both electronic and printed formats.  These shots are then disseminated all around the globe.