INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION
CLS (Collecte Localisation Satellite) is preparing for the future by actively contributing to the development of tomorrow's location and data collection systems through its collaboration with CNES, ESA, EUMETSAT, NOAA, ISRO and all users of the ARGOS system. In addition to its role as a system operator, CLS participates in defining design requirements for on-board instruments and develops state-of-the-art processing tools and services for distributing high value-added data.
CLS has been providing satellite-based solutions for location and environmental data collection for nearly 30 years. It processes data from nearly 80 instruments on 40 satellites each day. Initially founded by CNES (the French Space Agency) and IFREMER (the French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea) to operate and market the ARGOS system, CLS has since added several other services to its offer.
Making innovative efforts for comprehensive approaches of earth observation

Argos is a unique worldwide location and data collection system dedicated to studying and protecting the environment.
3 MILLION
Argos Messages Per Day
The Argos system was created in 1978 by the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), originally as a scientific tool for collecting and relaying meteorological and oceanographic data around the world. In 1986, CNES created a subsidiary, CLS (Collecte Localisation Satellite), to operate, maintain and commercialize the system.
Currently, several other international space agencies also actively participate in the Argos system including European Organization of the Exploitation of Meterological Satellites (EUMETSAT), the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and others.
Four international space agencies participate actively in the argos system
Founded in 1961, the Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES) is the government agency responsible for shaping and implementing France’s space policy in Europe.
Its task is to invent the space systems of the future, bring space technologies to maturity and guarantee France’s independent access to space. CNES is a pivotal player in Europe’s space program and a major source of initiatives and proposals that aim to maintain France and Europe’s competitive edge.The Argos program is administered under a joint agreement between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the French Space Agency, Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES).
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a scientific agency within the United States Department of Commerce focused on the conditions of the oceans and the atmosphere. NOAA warns of dangerous weather, charts seas and skies, guides the use and protection of ocean and coastal resources, and conducts research to improve understanding and stewardship of the environment. The Argos program is administered under a joint agreement between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the French Space Agency, Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES).



EUMETSAT is the European operational satellite agency for monitoring weather, climate and the environment. It operates a system of meteorological satellites that observe the atmosphere and ocean and land surfaces. This data is supplied to the National Meteorological Services of the organization's Member and Cooperating States in Europe, as well as other users worldwide. The primary objective the of Argos Advanced Data Collection System (A-DCS) is the collection and dissemination of ocean data.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the primary space agency of India. ISRO is one of the largest government space agencies in the world. Its primary objective is to advance space technology and use its applications for national benefit. The satellite with ARGOS and ALTIKA (SARAL) is a joint Indo-French satellite mission for oceanographic studies. SARAL will perform altimetric measurements designed to study ocean circulation and sea surface elevation.

cls is the exclusive operator of the
argos system since 1986

cls has a worldwide presence

