# CSO-3

> French reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q60526302](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q60526302)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cso-3

## Summary
CSO-3 is a French reconnaissance satellite launched on March 6, 2025, as part of the Composante Spatiale Optique (CSO) military earth observation program. It operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit, gathering intelligence data for military applications.

## Key Facts
- CSO-3 was launched on March 6, 2025, at 16:24 from ELA-4 launch complex using an Ariane 62 rocket designated as flight VA263.
- It is the third satellite in the Composante Spatiale Optique military earth observation satellite program following CSO-2.
- The satellite uses a ULPM H30 space tug (series L6002) and is powered by a spacecraft solar array with 4 panels.
- CSO-3 features an AstroSat-1000 spacecraft bus and is operated by the French Armed Forces through the Direction générale de l'Armement.
- It operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit with COSPAR ID 2025-044A and NSSDCA ID 2025-044A.
- The satellite was manufactured by both Space Systems and Thales Alenia Space.

## FAQs
### Q: What is CSO-3?
A: CSO-3 is a French reconnaissance satellite that serves as part of the Composante Spatiale Optique (CSO) military earth observation program. It was launched in March 2025 to gather intelligence data for military applications.

### Q: When and how was CSO-3 launched?
A: CSO-3 was launched on March 6, 2025, at 16:24 from ELA-4 launch complex using an Ariane 62 rocket designated as flight VA263.

### Q: What is the purpose of CSO-3?
A: CSO-3 is designed for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering as part of France's military satellite program. It covertly collects data for intelligence and military applications from its Sun-synchronous orbit.

### Q: Who operates CSO-3?
A: CSO-3 is operated by the French Armed Forces through the Direction générale de l'Armement (DGA).

### Q: What technical specifications distinguish CSO-3?
A: CSO-3 features an AstroSat-1000 spacecraft bus, a ULPM H30 space tug, and is powered by a spacecraft solar array with 4 panels. It represents the third generation of French optical reconnaissance satellites.

## Why It Matters
CSO-3 represents a significant component of France's military space-based reconnaissance capabilities as part of the Composante Spatiale Optique program. This satellite provides independent intelligence gathering capabilities, reducing reliance on foreign assets for national security. The optical observation technology aboard CSO-3 offers high-resolution imaging capabilities that support military operations, border monitoring, and crisis response. As France continues to develop its sovereign space capabilities, CSO-3 plays a crucial role in maintaining technological leadership in the European defense sector while providing critical real-time intelligence that informs strategic decision-making.

## Notable For
- Being the third satellite in France's advanced Composante Spatiale Optique reconnaissance satellite program
- Utilizing the AstroSat-1000 spacecraft bus, a specialized platform for optical Earth observation
- Featuring a ULPM H30 space tug for orbital positioning and station-keeping
- Operating in a Sun-synchronous orbit optimized for consistent Earth observation lighting conditions
- Representing France's continued investment in independent military space capabilities

## Body
### Overview
CSO-3 (Composante Spatiale Optique-3) is a French reconnaissance satellite designed for military intelligence gathering. It is part of the Composante Spatiale Optique (CSO) program, France's military earth observation satellite initiative managed by the Direction générale de l'Armement.

### Mission and Purpose
CSO-3 serves as a reconnaissance satellite that covertly collects data for intelligence or military applications. The satellite operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit, providing consistent lighting conditions for Earth observation and imagery collection. This capability supports France's national security interests by enabling independent space-based intelligence gathering.

### Technical Specifications
- Spacecraft bus: AstroSat-1000
- Power system: Spacecraft solar array with 4 panels
- Propulsion: ULPM H30 space tug (series L6002)
- Orbit: Sun-synchronous orbit
- COSPAR ID: 2025-044A
- NSSDCA ID: 2025-044A
- Launch vehicle: Ariane 62 (flight VA263)

### Manufacturing and Operation
CSO-3 was manufactured by Space Systems and Thales Alenia Space. The satellite is operated by the French Armed Forces through the Direction générale de l'Armement (DGA), which oversees the nation's space-based reconnaissance capabilities.

### Launch Details
- Launch date: March 6, 2025
- Launch time: 16:24
- Launch site: ELA-4 (Guiana Space Centre)
- Launch vehicle: Ariane 62 (VA263)
- Mission status: Operational (post-launch)

### Program Context
CSO-3 follows CSO-2 in the Composante Spatiale Optique program, which represents France's multi-generational approach to military reconnaissance satellites. The program aims to maintain France's independent space-based intelligence gathering capabilities while advancing optical observation technology.

## Schema Markup
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "CSO-3",
  "description": "French reconnaissance satellite and part of the Composante Spatiale Optique program",
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  "additionalType": "reconnaissance satellite"
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/cso-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/917)
4. [Source](https://newsroom.arianespace.com/ariane-6-flight-va263)