EU Launches IRIS2 Satellite Constellation for Secure European Communications
The EU has launched IRIS2, a new satellite constellation designed to provide secure, low-latency communication services across Europe. Led by a consortium of major satellite operators, IRIS2 aims to enhance European sovereignty and data protection, setting it apart from global megaconstellations like Starlink.
IRIS2, a public-private partnership, involves major European aerospace companies such as Thales Alenia Space, Airbus Defence & Space, and OHB. The project is supported by EU regulations and space initiatives, with a budget of 10.6 billion euros, of which 4.1 billion has been pledged by the SpaceRISE consortium led by SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat.
The constellation, initially proposed in 2022 with about 290 satellites, is planned for operation by 2030. It will act as 5G nodes and will be upgraded to 6G as soon as possible. The low Earth orbit layer of IRIS2 will help test and understand the business case for direct-to-device service.
European civil space leaders have suggested expanding the IRIS2 satellite constellation. Nicolas Guillermin, European Commission team leader for security, described IRIS2 as a 'minimum viable product' designed for scalability. Laurent Jaffart, ESA connectivity and secure communication director, plans to enhance IRIS2 technology for increased resilience and real-time data dissemination, with estimated costs of about 600 million euros.
IRIS2, with its focus on European sovereignty and data protection, is set to revolutionize secure, low-latency satellite communications. Backed by a robust public-private partnership and significant investment, the project is poised to deliver enhanced communication services across Europe by 2030.
