EU signs IRIS² implementation agreement, expands constellation to 348 satellites

Published Aug 7, 08:31 AM UTC

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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.

Source

EuractivWestern

Original headline: EU adds 66 satellites to IRIS² in push for secure connectivity

Original language: EN-GB

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EU signs IRIS² satellite deployment agreement for secure connectivity

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European Commission