Mission Overview
The Ariane 62, provided by Arianespace, successfully launched the CSO-3 from the Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana, on March 6, 2025 at 04:24 PM UTC, placing the satellite into a Sun-Synchronous Orbit. This launch marks the third and final deployment of the new-generation high-resolution optical imaging satellites for the French military, replacing the Helios 2 spy satellite series.
The CSO-3 satellite is part of a series designed to provide critical Earth observation data to support French military operations. As the third satellite in this series, CSO-3 joins its predecessors in expanding the French military's surveillance capabilities, allowing for enhanced situational awareness and decision-making. The Ariane 62 rocket enabled the deployment of the CSO-3, a Government/Top Secret payload, as part of Arianespace's service.