CSO-3 Satellite. Photo: Airbus
The Airbus-built CSO-3 Earth observation satellite has been launched successfully on Ariane 6’s first commercial flight from the European Spaceport in Kourou. The satellite is part of the CSO (Composante Spatiale Optique) programme, providing high-resolution geo-information intelligence to the French...
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The Airbus-built CSO-3 Earth observation satellite has been launched successfully on Ariane 6’s first commercial flight from the European Spaceport in Kourou. The satellite is part of the CSO (Composante Spatiale Optique) programme, providing high-resolution geo-information intelligence to the French Armed Forces and its partners under the Multinational Space-based Imaging System (MUSIS) initiative.
CSO-3 is the third and final satellite in the CSO fleet. Like its predecessors, it offers high-resolution imaging in visible and infrared bandwidths, with a highly agile pointing system for image acquisition. The satellite will enhance reconnaissance operations by increasing coverage and revisit capacity. Positioned at an altitude of 800 km, it complements CSO-1, while CSO-2, operating at a lower altitude, provides higher resolution images for identification purposes.
Airbus is the prime contractor for the CSO programme, responsible for the satellite’s platform, avionics, integration, and testing before delivery to the French Space Agency (CNES). Thales Alenia Space supplied the very-high-resolution optical instrument. Airbus also developed the User Ground Segment for the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) to support the French Space Command (CDE), ensuring secure distribution and data sharing among France and its European partners.
Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus said: “With each CSO satellite, there may be a new team but the same goal of serving our government customers remains: to provide the best resolution with an agile and secure network. All this, for the intelligence, autonomy and security of our nation. CSO-3 is a perfect illustration of what Airbus and the French space industry can do for France and Europe. It is also a great example of what Europe can do when teaming up!”
Lionel Suchet, CEO of CNES said: “I am delighted with the successful launch of CSO-3, a satellite serving French defense on behalf of CNES and DGA, built by Airbus Defence and Space in collaboration with Thales Alenia Space. The success of this launch, on Ariane 6's first commercial mission, is excellent news on several counts, and testifies to European and French excellence in the space sector, in the service of our citizens. With the launch of this third CSO satellite, CNES is providing operational support to the French Ministry of the Armed Forces in its drive to renew its space capabilities. I'd like to congratulate all the teams who helped make this launch a success, whether they were involved in preparing the satellite or in bringing this first Ariane 6 commercial mission to a successful conclusion”.
The CSO programme was initiated in 2010 by CNES on behalf of the DGA. The contract initially covered two satellites, with an option for a third, which was exercised after Germany joined the programme in 2015. The MUSIS programme, under which the CSO satellites operate, was developed to ensure continuity following the end of the Hélios II optical reconnaissance system. It now involves eight partner countries: Germany, Sweden, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Poland, and Greece. The programme includes three optical satellites, a Mission Ground Segment, and a User Ground Segment, which also facilitates access to Germany’s SARah satellites and Italy’s CSG satellites.
The successful launch was supported by Airbus employees in Spain and the Netherlands, who contributed components for the Ariane 6 launcher. Spanish teams provided carbon fibre structures and electronic wiring, while Dutch teams supplied engine thrust frames for the Vulcain 2.1 and Vinci engines.
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