Europe’s heavy-lift rocket, Ariane 6, successfully embarked on its inaugural commercial mission on March 6, 2025, lifting off from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana. The rocket carried the CSO-3 satellite, a French military reconnaissance asset, into orbit approximately 800 kilometers above Earth.
This mission faced several delays, including a last-minute postponement on March 3 due to ground equipment issues. The successful launch marks a significant milestone for Europe’s autonomous access to space, especially after the cessation of Russia’s Soyuz rocket services following geopolitical tensions in 2022.
The CSO-3 satellite completes a trio of French military imaging satellites, with its counterparts launched in 2018 and 2020. This deployment enhances Europe’s defense capabilities, underscoring the continent’s commitment to bolstering its security infrastructure.
