The National Space Research Center in Toulouse is finally open to the public

In the control room of Cadmos, we are watching live the Russian cosmonauts of the ISS, in full exit from the ship. We even hear their conversations with the European Astronaut Center in Cologne. A privilege available to space lovers. In fact, since February, the Toulouse Space Center has been receiving its first visitors.

Based in the Pink City since 1968, this main Cnes site (National Space Research Center), which manages both scientific research and space missions, as well as defense activities, has never opened its doors.

“At a time when space is opening up and actively developing, it was natural to share our know-how. Because most people don’t know about our activities,” emphasizes Lionel Suchet, Deputy CEO of Cnes. For this, he relied on the Cité de l’Espace, whose guides visit him once a month. For its managing director, Jean-Baptiste Debois, “it’s a point of pride to show behind the scenes of a place where space is created to serve the people.”

Two and a half hour visit between history and future

Designed for adult groups from Europe, these two-hour visits begin at the reception with an overview of the history and activities of Cnes. “Today, spatial space is applicable everywhere. We need to communicate more about its importance,” adds Lionel Suchet.

Then, during the route presented on the campus, we find the main control room number 4, used, in particular, in the positioning of satellites or the testing ground for Martian rovers. Immerse yourself in the heart of this now unmissable site, which will soon house the NATO Center of Excellence in Space and the French Military Space Command.

€68 per person with lunch and entry to Cité de l’espace in addition to Cnes and one hour of Imax show or planetarium. Booking for https://www.cite-espace.com/groupes-et-pros/ma-reunion-mon-evenement/visite-du-cnes/