Arianespace released a statement regarding the upcoming launch of the Ariane 6 and its passenger, the CSO-3 satellite:
Due to further operations needed on a ground means interfacing with the launcher, the VA263 launch is postponed. The new launch date will be announced following the completion of these operations. Ariane 6 and its passenger, the CSO-3 satellite, are in stable and safe conditions.
Earlier in the year David Cavaillolès, CEO of Arianespace, said: “I am very pleased to announce the date of Ariane 6’s first commercial flight as I take up office. This marks the start of the Ariane 6 operating phase, and it’s an honor to open this new era for Arianespace. With this launch in support of French defense and the capability requirements of several partner nations, Arianespace will guarantee independent access to space for France and Europe, for the benefit of all our fellow citizens.”
Arianespace ‘postpones’ Ariane 6 launch of French CSO-3 with operations underway
Due to further operations needed on a ground means, the launch initially planned on February 26 from Kourou, French Guiana, is postponed.
The new launch date will be announced following the completion of these operations.
Ariane 6 and its passenger, the CSO-3 satellite, are in stable and safe conditions.
CSO-3 is the third satellite in the DGA-led MUSIS program (Multinational Space-based Imaging System), a constellation of three satellites dedicated to Earth observation for defense and security purposes.
CSO-1 and CSO-2 were both successfully launched by Arianespace, respectively in 2018 and 2020.
Arianespace’s Ariane 6 to launch the French Defense Procurement and Technology Agency’s CSO-3 satellite
On February 26, 2025 at 1:24 p.m. local time (4:24 p.m. UTC, 5:24 p.m. CET), Arianespace will launch the CSO-3 satellite with Ariane 6 from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The mission, called VA263, will be the first commercial flight for Ariane 6, the new European heavy-lift launcher. It will place its passenger, the CSO-3 satellite, into Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) at an altitude of around 800 km. Spacecraft separation will occur 1 hour and 6 minutes after lift-off.
David Cavaillolès, CEO of Arianespace, said: “I am very pleased to announce the date of Ariane 6’s first commercial flight as I take up office. This marks the start of the Ariane 6 operating phase, and it’s an honor to open this new era for Arianespace. With this launch in support of French defense and the capability requirements of several partner nations, Arianespace will guarantee independent access to space for France and Europe, for the benefit of all our fellow citizens.”
CSO-3 is the third satellite in the DGA-led MUSIS program (Multinational Space-based Imaging System), a constellation of three satellites dedicated to Earth observation for defense and security purposes.
CSO-1 and CSO-2 were both successfully launched by Arianespace, respectively in 2018 and 2020.