The European Union will launch a EU€10 billion satellite constellation that will compete with Starlink.
The IRIS² constellation will include 290 satellites launched by the European Space Agency (ESA), and will offer communications capacity for commercial use.
“IRIS² demonstrates the Union’s resolve and commitment to strengthening Europe’s space global posture both in terms of security and competitiveness to the benefit of our governments, businesses and citizens,” said European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius.
“Launched by European rockets, the IRIS² constellation will promote European autonomy, resilience and competitiveness. It will ensure uninterrupted access to secure governmental connectivity services and provide high-end commercial services,” according to the ESA.
“ESA’s excellence will foster innovation in the European space industry, boost European competitiveness, create high-skill jobs and attract talents to Europe,” said ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher.
IRIS² will include satellites in both low Earth and medium Earth orbit.
Its satellites will be launched in 2029 and 2030, following a critical design review. A second layer in low Earth orbit will be launched at a later date.
IRIS² will work with Govsatcom, an E.U. project providing communications services using member states’ satellites. Govsatcom will start operations in 2025.
A SpaceRISE consortium led by European satellite operators Eutelsat, Hispasat, and SES will contribute EU€4.1 billion to IRIS².
“We cannot afford to be too dependent on countries or companies from outside the European Union,” Kubilius said at the deal-signing ceremony with SpaceRISE yesterday.