EU Signs €10.6 Billion IRIS² Satellite Contract

The European Union has officially launched the IRIS² project, a €10.6 billion ($11.1 billion) satellite network aimed at enhancing secure connectivity for governments and businesses across Europe. Signed on December 16 in Brussels, contracts were established between the European Commission, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Spacerise consortium, which includes major satellite operators SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat. This constellation will consist of 290 satellites, designed to provide secure communication and high-speed broadband services while bolstering Europe's strategic autonomy amidst geopolitical tensions. EU officials highlighted the necessity of this initiative in light of vulnerabilities in existing communication infrastructures, particularly due to threats from external entities. The project underscores Europe's commitment to fostering its space industry and ensuring resilience against external dependencies. The first satellites are expected to be operational by early 2031, with a significant public-private partnership model underpinning the funding and development process.