National Center of Space ResearchType: Government Abbreviation: CNES Administration: Jean-Yves Le Gall Founded: 1961 Launchers: Ariane 5 Spacecraft: Mars/Venus Express | Rosetta Country: FRAThe National Center of Space Research, or CNES, is a French National Agency in charge of France’s space program. In partnership with the US and Russia, they have put 10 people in space. CNES works in tandem with the larger ESA to develop the Ariane 5 and work on other probes and satellites. They are working with Germany to develop a cheaper and more efficient reusable rocket, which hopefully will be ready to fly by 2026.