Space exploration is the use of astronomy and space technology to explore the solar system and outer space. Since Doomsday, worldwide interest in space exploration has dropped dramatically, made worse since most space programs were destroyed on Doomsday. In 2001, however, a new space age began when a joint European-South American team launched a new Odyssey-class rocket from the Guiana Space Centre in Kouru, Guyane. Since then the Guiana Space Centre remains the worldwide center of rocket launches and is controlled by the League of Nations Authority for Space Operations. Despite these advancements, no human has returned to space since Doomsday.