Ariane 6 launches CSO-3 satellite (VA263)

  • Event

  • Transportation

  • Defense

The VA263 mission will be the first commercial flight of Ariane 6, Europe's new heavy launcher. It follows its successful maiden flight on July 9, 2024.

    Date
  • Wednesday February 26, 2025
    • Place
  • Kourou

Ariane 6, in its A62 version (two boosters), will lift off from the Guiana Space Center with the CSO-3 satellite under its fairing. 

This mission, designated VA263 and operated by Arianespace, will be the first commercial flight of Europe's new heavy launcher. It will place its passenger, the CSO-3 satellite, into sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of around 800 km. Injection will take place 1 hour and 6 minutes after liftoff.

Flight VA263: New launch date to be confirmed soon

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.

Watch the launch live

YouTube Link to YouTube page

Focus on passenger, CSO-3

This military observation satellite will be launched on behalf of the Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA) and CNES for the Air Force Space Command (CDE). CSO-3, the 3rd CSO (optical space component) satellite launched by Arianespace, will complete the CSO system. With this latest launch, Arianespace is guaranteeing France and Europe autonomous access to space, in support of French defense and the capability needs of several partner countries.

CSO-3 is the third satellite in the DGA-led MUSIS program, a constellation of three satellites dedicated to Earth observation for defense and security purposes. The CSO-1 and CSO-2 satellites were successfully launched by Arianespace in 2018 and 2020 respectively.

  • 2nd

    Ariane 6 flight

  • 1st

    commercial flight

  • 3rd

    CSO satellite launched by Arianespace, completing the CSO constellation

  • 46th

    46th satellite launched for DGA and CNES

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