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CNES

The Centre National d'Études Spatiales (CNES) is France's national space agency, established in 1961 and headquartered in Paris.

Paris, France Est. 1961 Government
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Quick Facts
Country
France
Founded
1961
Type
government
Status
operational

About CNES

The Centre National d'Études Spatiales (CNES) is France's national space agency, established in 1961 and headquartered in Paris. CNES is responsible for shaping and implementing French space policy and manages an annual budget of approximately €2.6 billion, making it one of Europe's largest space agencies. The agency operates the Guiana Space Centre (CSG) in Kourou, French Guiana — Europe's primary orbital launch facility and the site for Ariane, Vega, and Soyuz launches. CNES develops satellites and scientific instruments, leads French contributions to ESA programs, and manages international collaborations with NASA, JAXA, and ISRO. Key programs include the Copernicus Earth observation series, the Galileo navigation system (in partnership with ESA), the SWOT ocean-topography satellite (joint with NASA), and France's military space surveillance capabilities. CNES has a staff of approximately 2,400 engineers and scientists.

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Frequently asked about CNES

Quick answers to the questions readers most often search for.

When was CNES founded?
CNES was founded in 1961 in France.
Where is CNES headquartered?
CNES is headquartered in Paris, France.
What does CNES do?
The Centre National d'Études Spatiales (CNES) is France's national space agency, established in 1961 and headquartered in Paris. CNES is responsible for shaping and implementing French space policy and manages an annual budget of approximately €2.6 billion, making it one of Europe's largest space agencies. The agency o…
What sector does CNES operate in?
CNES operates in space-agency, government, launch-services.

Data Accuracy Notice: Information about CNES is compiled from publicly available sources including company websites, press releases, regulatory filings, and industry reports. Data is reviewed periodically but may not reflect the most recent developments.

Last updated: June 30, 2026
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