Europe Launches Iris² Satellite Constellation Project to Compete in Space Connectivity

Tuesday 17 December 2024 - 10:37

The European Union is set to launch a major satellite constellation project, named "Iris²," to compete with the leading American company, SpaceX, and its Starlink network. This initiative is the EU's largest space venture since its previous programs"Galileo" for satellite navigation and "Copernicus" for climate monitoring. "Iris²" envisions a network of 290 multi-orbit satellites, aimed at providing high-speed, secure connectivity by 2030.

This satellite constellation is designed to enhance communication in critical sectors, such as defense, diplomatic networks, crisis management, and surveillance. It also promises to bring internet access to remote areas currently underserved by fiber-optic infrastructure. The project comes amid a growing "space internet" battle, with global competition intensifying.

Starlink, led by Elon Musk's SpaceX, has already launched over 6,000 satellites, serving 2.6 million clients and planning to deploy up to 30,000 satellites in total. This dominant position in the high-speed space connectivity market has spurred the European Union into action to secure its place in this rapidly evolving sector.

The management of the "Iris²" project has been assigned to the SpaceRISE consortium, which includes major players such as Eutelsat, Hispasat, and SES. These companies will lead the initiative through a public-private partnership with a 12-year concession. Other partners involved include Thales, OHB, Airbus Defence and Space, Telespazio, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, and Hisdesat.

The total budget for "Iris²" is estimated at €10.6 billion over twelve years, with €6 billion from the EU, €4.1 billion in private investments, and €550 million from the European Space Agency (ESA). Control centers for the project will be located in three European countries: Luxembourg, Toulouse in France, and Fucino in Italy.

Henna Virkkunen, the European Commission Vice-President responsible for technological sovereignty, highlighted that the constellation would protect critical infrastructure, provide connectivity to Europe's most remote regions, and increase the continent's strategic autonomy. The EU is also exploring potential commercial opportunities for "Iris²" with countries like the UK, Norway, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and several African nations.

Eva Berneke, CEO of Eutelsat, emphasized the importance of this development, calling it a significant step forward for Europe in the space sector. She acknowledged that Europe had fallen behind in this area but stressed the need for a sovereign alternative to American and Chinese systems. "We need to secure our sovereignty in defense and communications," Berneke noted, aiming to bring Europe back into the competitive game.

"Iris²" is a landmark project for Europe's space ambitions, and its successful implementation will mark a turning point in the continent's role in the global satellite communications landscape.