SpaceRISE Consortium Selected for EU IRIS² Project

The SpaceRISE consortium, consisting of Eutelsat, Hispasat, and SES, has been awarded a contract by the European Commission to design and operate the IRIS² satellite connectivity system, aimed at enhancing Europe's digital sovereignty and resilience. This ambitious multi-orbit satellite constellation will consist of 290 satellites and is projected to cost around €12 billion, with the consortium contributing €4 billion through a public-private partnership. The IRIS² system is intended to provide low-latency connectivity and respond effectively to crises, while bridging the digital divide across EU Member States. With full operational capability targeted for the early 2030s, the system will serve as a secure communications backbone aligned with Europe’s strategic goals. The final phase of the procurement process is expected to conclude with a contract signature by December 2024, marking a significant step forward in Europe's space infrastructure. Eutelsat's CEO emphasized the importance of the project in bolstering Europe's strategic resilience through advanced multi-orbit technology.