Intel for Ukraine: France launches powerful new CSO-3 spy satellite

Defense Express reported the information.

On March 6, 2025, France successfully launched CSO-3 from the Guiana Space Center, deploying a high-resolution optical surveillance satellite expected to operate for at least 10 years in orbit.

With France already providing Ukraine with reconnaissance data, it is reasonable to assume that Ukrainian forces will gain access to ultra-high-resolution satellite imagery, including data from the newly deployed CSO-3.

Notably, earlier CSO satellites (CSO-1 and CSO-2) were launched using Russian Soyuz rockets from the Guiana Space Center. However, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, France discontinued the use of Russian launch vehicles for its space programs.

The CSO-3 satellite is equipped to capture high-resolution 3D images in both visible and infrared spectrums, ensuring effective monitoring both day and night.

The first satellite in the series, CSO-1, was launched in December 2018, followed by CSO-2 in December 2020. CSO-1 and CSO-3 operate at an altitude of 800 km, providing 35 cm resolution imagery, while CSO-2 is positioned at 480 km, achieving a higher resolution of 20 cm. Each 3.5-ton satellite remains highly maneuverable despite its weight.

Originally scheduled for December 2024, the CSO-3 launch was postponed multiple times. Initially moved to February 26, it was later delayed to March 3 due to technical ground operations. Another last-minute issue with a fueling system valve forced a further postponement to March 6.

Finally, on March 6 at 17:24, the Ariane 6 European launch vehicle successfully deployed CSO-3 into orbit at 800 km.

The CSO (Composante Spatiale Optique) program was initiated in 2010, when Airbus signed a contract with the French space agency CNES on behalf of the General Directorate for Armament (DGA).

Initially, the project aimed to launch two satellites, but after Germany joined the program in 2015, it expanded to three satellites. The CSO constellation was developed as a replacement for the aging Helios 2 reconnaissance satellites, further strengthening France’s military intelligence capabilities.

• On March 5, CIA Director John Ratcliffe officially announced a temporary suspension of arms and intelligence data supply to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Bloomberg, citing a Ukrainian official, claimed that Kyiv was still receiving U.S. intelligence information.
• On March 7, the American aerospace company Maxar Technologies cut off access to its satellite imagery for Ukrainian users.
• In contrast, the United Kingdom announced that it would continue providing intelligence to Ukraine, although its capabilities are more limited compared to the United States or other countries.
• Later, it became known that U.S. officials from the Pentagon stated that U.S. intelligence support for Ukraine’s offensive operations had decreased, but defensive assistance was continuing.