Europe's Ariane 6 rocket successfully launches French military satellite, marking a significant milestone in Europe's independent space access and defense capabilities.
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| The successful deployment of the CSO-3 military satellite by Ariane 6 is a key milestone for Europe, securing its space independence and enhancing defense initiatives. Image: ESA |
Kourou, French Guiana — March 7, 2025:
In a historic achievement for Europe, the Ariane 6 rocket successfully launched the French military satellite CSO-3 into orbit on Thursday, securing Europe’s independent access to space. This milestone strengthens the continent’s defense capabilities at a time when shifting global alliances heighten the need for strategic autonomy.
The heavy-lift rocket launched from Europe’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, at approximately 1:30 p.m. local time (1630 GMT), following several delays, including a last-minute postponement earlier in the week. Approximately an hour after launch, the control center erupted in applause as Ariane 6 deployed the CSO-3 satellite into orbit at 800 kilometers (500 miles) above Earth.
The success of this mission marks Europe’s return to independent satellite launches, which had been disrupted when Russia withdrew its Soyuz rockets in response to its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Ariane 6's successful deployment is the first major launch of large satellites since that event, making it a significant development for Europe’s strategic space ambitions.
Ariane 6 was initially set to launch in 2020 but faced multiple delays before it finally took flight in July 2023. Despite setbacks, the mission has proven successful, providing Europe with a vital tool for independent satellite deployments.
The CSO-3 satellite is a crucial component in bolstering Europe’s military capabilities. French General Philippe Steininger emphasized that Europe currently has only 10 military satellites—five from France and five from Italy—compared to the hundreds operated by the United States and China. The launch of Ariane 6 signals Europe’s commitment to strengthening its defense and security, especially as uncertainties about continued U.S. support for European defense grow.
Toni Tolker-Nielsen, Director of Space Transportation at the European Space Agency (ESA), underscored the importance of increasing the number of Ariane 6 launches to 12 annually, emphasizing the urgency of enhancing Europe’s independent access to space.
While the launch was initially delayed due to technical issues with a refueling valve, the successful deployment of the CSO-3 satellite shows that Europe’s space industry is recovering. The return of the Ariane 6 and the resumption of Vega-C flights since December signal a resurgence in Europe’s space operations.
Given the military nature of the satellite, heightened security measures were implemented at the spaceport, with French fighter jets patrolling the airspace. Arnaud Prost, a French pilot and ESA astronaut, expressed that the launch was an important step for Europe’s space autonomy and its role in global space exploration.
This milestone launch of the Ariane 6 rocket further solidifies Europe's ambitions to regain momentum in space exploration and satellite deployment, making it a pivotal moment for the European space industry.