EU signs IRIS² satellite deployment agreement for secure connectivity
The European Commission and SpaceRISE consortium signed an implementation agreement to deploy the IRIS² satellite constellation, adding 66 satellites for a total of 348. The €10 billion program aims to provide Europe with a sovereign, secure communication network for governments, defense, and emergency services, independent of non-European infrastructure. Operational services are expected from 2029, boosting EU secure capacity by 60% and enhancing technological autonomy.
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IRIS² Contract Sealed: 348 Satellites for Europe's Security
The European Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium have finalized negotiations and signed an implementation agreement for IRIS², Europe's new flagship satellite constellation. The program moves from planning to implementation, with 348 satellites planned. The agreement confirms system design, capacity, timeline, target price, and private operator investments. Key participants include Airbus Defence and Space, Thales Alenia Space, OHB, and newcomer Belgian start-up Aerospacelab. EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius hailed the step as decisive for Europe's security and digital sovereignty. IRIS² aims to provide Europe with a sovereign satellite network for secure connectivity, serving governments, defense and security forces, and civilian organizations like emergency services, independent of non-European infrastructure.
IRIS² Contract Sealed: 348 Satellites for Europe's Security and Digital Sovereignty
The European Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium have finalized negotiations and signed an implementation agreement for IRIS², Europe's new flagship satellite constellation. The program moves from planning to implementation, with 348 satellites planned. The consortium includes established space companies Airbus Defence and Space, Thales Alenia Space, and OHB, as well as Belgian start-up Aerospacelab. EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius hailed the step as decisive for Europe's security and digital sovereignty. IRIS² aims to provide secure, sovereign satellite communication for EU governments, defense forces, security forces, and civilian emergency services, independent of non-European infrastructure.
IRIS² Contract Sealed: 348 Satellites for Europe's Security and Digital Sovereignty
The European Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium have finalized negotiations and signed an implementation agreement for the IRIS² satellite constellation, moving the program from planning to implementation. The system will consist of 348 satellites and aims to provide Europe with a sovereign, secure communication network independent of non-European infrastructure. It is designed for use by governments, defense forces, security agencies, and civilian emergency services across the EU. The agreement confirmed key parameters including system design, capacity, timeline, target price, and private operator investments. Participating companies include established space firms Airbus Defence and Space, Thales Alenia Space, and OHB, along with newcomer Belgian start-up Aerospacelab. EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius hailed the step as decisive for Europe's security and digital sovereignty.
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EU adds 66 satellites to IRIS² constellation for secure connectivity
The European Commission announced on Friday that it has moved its IRIS² satellite constellation into full-scale deployment, adding 66 satellites to the planned secure network. The Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium, led by SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat, signed an implementation agreement to begin construction. The main constellation will now have 348 satellites (330 in low Earth orbit and 18 in medium Earth orbit), boosting secure governmental capacity by 60% within the EU and 54% globally. Defence and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius stated the accelerated deployment will deliver early defence and security services ahead of schedule. The program is valued at around €10 billion, with commitments from Poland, Hungary, Spain, Norway, and Iceland. Operational connectivity services are expected to begin gradually from 2029. The article notes IRIS² is designed for secure government use, contrasting with Starlink's civilian broadband focus.
EU adds 66 satellites to IRIS² constellation, signs deployment agreement
The European Commission announced on Friday that it has moved its IRIS² satellite constellation into full-scale deployment, adding 66 satellites to the planned secure network. The Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium, led by SES, Eutelsat and Hispasat, signed an implementation agreement to begin construction. The main constellation will now have 348 satellites—330 in low Earth orbit and 18 in medium Earth orbit—boosting secure governmental capacity by 60% within the EU and 54% globally. Defence and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius stated the accelerated deployment will deliver early defence and security services ahead of schedule. The next phase involves finalizing satellite design, construction, launch services, and ground infrastructure. Operational connectivity is expected to begin gradually from 2029. The overall programme is valued at around €10 billion, with commitments from Poland, Hungary, Spain, Norway, and Iceland. The system is designed to complement or compete with commercial mega-constellations like Starlink, enhancing EU technological autonomy.
EU adds 66 satellites to IRIS² constellation, signs implementation agreement
The European Commission announced on Friday that it has moved its IRIS² satellite constellation into full-scale deployment, adding 66 satellites to the planned secure network. The Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium, led by SES, Eutelsat and Hispasat, signed an implementation agreement to clear the way for construction. The main constellation will now have 348 satellites (330 in LEO, 18 in MEO), boosting secure governmental capacity by 60% within the EU and 54% globally. Commissioner Andrius Kubilius stated the accelerated deployment will deliver early defense and security services ahead of schedule. Operational connectivity services are expected to begin gradually from 2029. The overall program is valued at around €10 billion, with Poland, Hungary, Spain, Norway, and Iceland contributing funding. The article contrasts IRIS² with Starlink, noting IRIS²'s hybrid LEO/MEO architecture could improve connection stability and strengthen EU technological autonomy.