Arianespace successfully launched the CSO-3 military observation satellite using an Ariane 6 rocket from the European spaceport located in French Guiana on 6 March.
The Minister of the Armed Forces of France, Sébastien Lecornu, stated: “I congratulate all the teams who worked to make this launch a success. CSO is a major program that contributes to supporting military operations, strategic autonomy and the sovereignty of decision-making and conduct of operations of France and its European partners.”
The satellite is equipped with a high-resolution optical instrument designed by Thales Alenia Space, a partnership where Thales holds a 67% stake and Leonardo holds 33%. The development of the satellite was carried out by Airbus Defence & Space, commissioned by the French defense procurement agency DGA, for the Space Command of the French Air and Space Force, with oversight provided by the French space agency CNES.
The final element of the CSO system within France’s MUSIS military initiative, CSO-3, is set to enhance coverage and revisit capabilities, thereby facilitating more efficient military operations and expedited crisis responses. Built to meet the highest standards of intelligence and defense, CSO-3 features a state-of-the-art instrument developed by Thales Alenia Space.
This instrument serves as the mission’s centrepiece, providing outstanding resolution and detail of the Earth’s surface. Its exceptional performance allows for the acquisition of high-resolution imagery, even in low-light conditions and during night time, owing to its infrared capabilities. The system incorporates advanced technologies, including next-generation optical systems and highly sensitive sensors.
Thales Alenia Space has developed critical components for the CSO system, similar to its work on the previous Helios 1, Helios 2, and Pleiades satellites. These components include solar arrays, advanced image telemetry systems with very high throughput, and encryption/decryption modules to maintain data security and confidentiality. Additionally, the company provided the telemetry, tracking, and control transponders for the system.
“The launch of CSO-3 is a major milestone for French sovereignty in space, both in terms of launch capabilities and satellite technology,” said Hervé Derrey, Thales Alenia Space CEO.
“With the completion of this system, France is leading the way in optical space reconnaissance. The CSO system’s exceptional performance is based in particular on the optical instrument built by the teams at Thales Alenia Space and our industry partners. These unique skills in Europe are strategically important and demonstrate our ability to meet the new challenges facing French and European sovereignty.”
