EU adds 66 satellites to IRIS² constellation for secure connectivity

Published Aug 7, 08:31 AM UTC

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.