The successful launch of the Ariane 6 rocket carrying the CSO-3 satellite marks a pivotal moment for European space autonomy, as emphasized by French Minister Philippe Baptiste. This event, which took place on March 6 from the Guiana Space Centre, positions Europe as increasingly independent from U.S. space capabilities amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics. Baptiste underscored the need for strategic autonomy in space, particularly in light of uncertainties regarding collaboration with NASA and the future of the International Space Station. The significance of Ariane 6 lies not only in its successful deployment into a sun-synchronous orbit at approximately 800 kilometers but also in its demonstration of Europe’s capability to independently access space, responding to the rising geopolitical tensions initiated during Donald Trump’s administration. With the geopolitical landscape shifting, the demand for Europe’s own access to space is expected to increase, marking a critical inflection point for European space policy and defense strategy.
