CSO Co., Ltd. — Redefining Earth Observation with Cutting-Edge Camera Systems for Small Satellites

Earth observation is no longer just about capturing images from orbit — it is about delivering insights that shape how societies respond to global challenges. CSO Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of CONTEC, is at the forefront of this transformation. Founded in 2023, the company is pioneering very high-resolution electro-optical camera systems for CubeSats and microsatellites, bringing capabilities once reserved for large platforms into smaller, faster, and more agile missions.

“Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to democratize access to very high-resolution satellite imagery and empower organizations worldwide to make faster, better-informed decisions,” says Dr. Youngwan Choi, founder and CEO of CSO. With a Ph.D. in Physics from KAIST and an MBA from UCLA Anderson, Dr. Choi combines technical depth with strategic vision. As a founding member of Satrec Initiative, he spearheaded the development of 17 flight-proven space cameras used in missions such as KhalifaSat, TeLEOS-1, DEIMOS-2, and DubaiSat-2. Today, he is channeling that legacy into CSO’s next-generation imaging payloads.

At the core of CSO’s technology is a vertically integrated pipeline, spanning optical design, assembly, calibration, and testing. Its flagship CSO-60 camera delivers 0.3 m GSD in near real time for applications ranging from defense and urban planning to disaster response and agriculture. Compared to competitors, CSO systems are about half the size and weight yet offer equal or better resolution, reducing launch costs and enabling use on smaller satellites.

Building on this momentum, CSO is developing its most ambitious project yet—the CSO-110 camera, targeted for 2030, with an unprecedented 15 cm resolution that will redefine the Earth observation market.

Beyond hardware, CSO is building a service-driven business model that moves from Camera-as-a-Service (CaaS) to Imagery-as-a-Service (IaaS) and ultimately Information-as-a-Service (XaaS). This approach ensures recurring value for clients — turning raw satellite data into actionable intelligence for industries, governments, and communities.

Global demand for such solutions is already evident. Within two years of founding, CSO has secured key contracts, including DaejeonSat-1 project in South Korea and Kazakhstan’s Ghalam program for advanced optical payloads supportingagricultural and environmental monitoring. The company has also signed over 40NDAs and multiple MOUs with partners across the world, reinforcing its role as a trusted imaging provider for both public and private missions.

Looking ahead, CSO plans to scale its camera portfolio from 0.3 to 1.0-meter resolution, expand partnerships in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, and launch its first flight model by 2026.CSO is also considering setting up overseas offices to enhance its international presence and agility.

“We are not just building cameras — we are redefining how the world sees Earth,” says Dr. Choi. “The future of Earth observation lies in agility, precision, and accessibility. CSO is determined to lead this transformation.”

From its Korean roots to its expanding global footprint, CSO Co., Ltd. is more than a payload manufacturer. It is a company committed to shaping a safer, smarter, and more connected world — one high-resolution image at a time.