The complete database of

French Spacecraft

Learn about France’s rich history in space exploration and its spacecraft, pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery since 1942!

French Space Programs & Missions

France has a significant presence in space exploration and technology, with several notable space programs and contributions to the global aerospace industry. The French space agency, Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES), plays a central role in coordinating and implementing France’s space activities, collaborating with international partners and promoting scientific research, innovation, and technological development.

The Hermès Spaceplane Program, France - Spacecraft Database

The Hermès Spaceplane Project

The Hermès spaceplane was an ambitious French-European project conceived during the 1980s as Europe’s answer to NASA’s Space Shuttle.

The Véronique & Vesta Rocket Program

Véronique and Vesta was France’s pioneering rocket programs. It laid the groundwork for its entry into space during the 1950s and 60s.

The Diamant Rocket Program

The Diamant rocket program was France’s first orbital launch vehicle and marked a major milestone in European space history.

Rosetta Mission (2004-2016) - Spacecraft & Space Programs

The Rosetta Mission (2004-2016)

The Rosetta Mission was an ambitious and groundbreaking space mission led by the European Space Agency (ESA).

Mars Express Program - Spacecraft & Vehicles Database - ESA

The Mars Express Program

Explore ESA’s Mars Express mission, Europe’s pioneering venture to Mars, known for discovering water ice, mapping the surface in 3D.

A brief history of The French space program

The French institutional space program began in 1946 with the establishment of the Laboratoire de recherches balistiques et aérodynamiques (LRBA), leveraging V2 rocket technology. Earlier, during WWII, the EA-41 rocket was tested by Free France from 1942 to 1945.

The Véronique N1 rocket was successfully launched in 1952 from the Saharan desert. Under President Charles de Gaulle, France intensified its space efforts, creating research committees in 1958 and establishing CNES in 1961 to coordinate space activities.

The Diamant rocket program began in 1962, and in 1965, France launched its first satellite, Astérix, becoming the third country to do so. That same year, CNES operations moved to Kourou. France later played a leading role in founding the European Space Agency in 1973.

All Spacecraft from France

France is a pioneer in space science and technology, with research institutions and companies involved in developing advanced satellite systems, propulsion technologies, and space exploration instruments. Overall, French space programs reflect the country’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and scientific exploration, positioning France as a key player in the global space community.

French Rockets & Spaceplanes

France began its rocket development after World War II, leading to the creation of the Diamant rocket—the first European launcher to place a satellite in orbit in 1965. Later, France played a key role in developing the Ariane series, which became the backbone of European space launches through the European Space Agency.

Ariane 5 Rocket - Spacecraft Propulsion - Liquid Fuel - Europe

Ariane Rocket Family

Explore the Ariane rocket family, Europe’s reliable and versatile launch vehicles, renowned for their role in deploying crafts into orbit.

Diamant A Rocket

Discover the Diamant A rocket, France’s first orbital launch vehicle. Learn about its design, missions, and its role during the Cold War.

Véronique Rocket Family

The Véronique rocket family was France’s first liquid-fueled sounding rocket series, used from the 1950s to 60s for high-altitude research.

Vesta Rocket

The Vesta rocket was a French sounding rocket developed in the early 1960s as the successor to the Véronique series.

Hermès Spaceplane

Hermès was a planned European space shuttle developed in the 1980s–90s by CNES and ESA. It was unfortunately cancelled before flight.

French Satellites & Probes

France launched its first satellite, Astérix, in 1965, becoming the third country to reach space independently. Since then, French satellites have supported communications, Earth observation, and science. France also contributed to deep-space missions like Rosetta and BepiColombo through ESA partnerships.