The European Commission has awarded contracts to proceed with the development of a 10.6 billion euro secure satellite constellation, known as IRIS². The project aims to provide an encrypted backbone for European Union governments and public agencies, while also developing new commercial services.
The initiative is a response to Elon Musk’s Starlink, which has gained significant traction in recent years. The multi-orbit array of over 280 satellites will enhance the EU’s “digital sovereignty” and boost competitiveness.
Despite initial delays, the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2030, with the first launch scheduled for mid-2029. Airbus and Thales Alenia Space, two leading satellite manufacturers, will remain involved in the project as suppliers rather than full consortium members.
The IRIS² project coincides with growing pressure on European nations to collaborate on defense and security. However, it has been overshadowed by other initiatives, including Amazon’s planned Kuiper internet network.
The development of IRIS² is seen as essential for ensuring resilient, secure, and fast governmental communications in an increasingly complex geopolitical world. The project will be overseen by the European Space Agency and operated from a control room in central Italy.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/technology/eu-kick-starts-new-secure-satellite-constellation-2024-12-16