CNES stands for the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales, which is the French national space agency. CNES is responsible for the development and implementation of France's space policy, and is involved in a wide range of space-related activities, including the development and operation of spacecraft and other space systems, the promotion of space research, and the provision of space-based services.
CNES is headquartered in Paris, France, and was founded in 1961. It is a major player in the European and global space industry, and has played a key role in a number of important space missions and projects over the years.