Europe’s new-generation heavy-lift rocket, the Ariane 6, made its first commercial flight on Thursday, March 6, placing the French military intelligence satellite CSO-3 into orbit. The rocket, which launched from the Kourou Cosmodrome in French Guiana at 13:30 local time (1630 GMT), successfully completed its mission despite previous delays. The satellite was in orbit about an hour after launch, according to a statement from France 24.
The high-profile launch comes as part of Europe’s efforts to strengthen its independent space capabilities, particularly at a time when security relations with the United States are uncertain and Europe has a growing need to launch large satellites on its own after Russia withdrew its Soyuz rockets.
Ariane 6: Europe's New Force in Space
Ariane 6, developed by the European Space Agency (ESA), was planned to make its first flight in 2020, but due to various technical and organizational problems, it was only able to perform its test flight in July 2023. Developed as the successor to Ariane 5, this new-generation rocket aims to increase Europe's independent space transportation capacity and become more competitive in the commercial satellite market.
Ariane 6 has two different versions: Ariane 62 and Ariane 64. Ariane 62 is capable of carrying light payloads with two side thrusters, while Ariane 64 can carry heavier payloads with its four side thruster configuration. Ariane 3 was used in this mission carrying CSO-62.
France's Spy Satellite Network Completed
The CSO-3 satellite will serve as the third and final component of France’s CSO (Composante Spatiale Optique) system of military reconnaissance satellites. Previously, CSO-1 was launched in 2018 and CSO-2 in 2020 on Soyuz rockets. However, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Europe’s access to Soyuz rockets was cut off and the launch of CSO-3 was postponed.
CSO-800, placed in orbit at an altitude of approximately 3 kilometers, will significantly increase France’s military intelligence force with its high-resolution optical imaging capabilities. The satellite features state-of-the-art optical sensors developed by Thales Alenia Space and is capable of capturing images at night and in low-light conditions.
Technology Strengthens France's Defense Capacity
The CSO-3 satellite was developed as part of the French Ministry of Defence's MUSIS (Multinational Space-Based Imaging System for Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Observation) programme. Airbus Defence & Space was the prime contractor, while the French Space Agency CNES and the French Air and Space Force Space Command oversaw the project.
Equipped with advanced infrared detection systems, ultra-sensitive optical sensors and security systems that provide encrypted data transmission, CSO-3 will increase its ability to track enemy movements, assess situations in crisis areas and manage France's military operations more effectively.
Ariane 6 and Europe's Future in Space
The successful first commercial flight of Ariane 6 marks a significant milestone for Europe’s independent space access. With this new-generation rocket, ESA and European countries aim to gain a stronger position in both military and commercial space transportation.
In the coming years, Ariane 6 is expected to be used in various missions and further strengthen Europe’s presence in space. France’s space-based intelligence capacity, strengthened by CSO-3, will provide a strategic advantage in terms of both national security and international military cooperation.
