What role did France play in the development of the International Telecommunication Satellite Organization (ITSO)?

France played a significant role in the development of the International Telecommunication Satellite Organization (ITSO), which is an intergovernmental organization established in 1973 to oversee the public service obligations of Intelsat, the global commercial satellite communications provider. The role of France in the development of ITSO can be traced back to the early days of the space race, when France became the third nation to launch a satellite into orbit with the launch of the Astérix satellite in November 1965.

Following this successful launch, France became a key player in the development of satellite technology, and in 1971, France and other countries worked together to create Intelsat, which would eventually lead to the creation of ITSO. France was a founding member of ITSO, and has continued to play an important role in the organization over the years.

One of the key contributions of France to ITSO has been its support for the development of the organization's policies and regulations. France has also played an important role in the development of ITSO's technical standards, helping to ensure that satellite communications systems are safe, reliable, and effective.