Table of contents
- IRIS²: Europe’s answer to Starlink for secure communications
- A strategic project for Europe’s digital sovereignty
- A 290-satellite constellation for connectivity and security
- First launches and the roadmap to 2030
- IRIS² and the future of satellite connectivity in Europe
IRIS²: Europe’s answer to Starlink for secure communications
In recent years, the demand for secure communications and global Internet access has driven governments and corporations to invest in satellite constellations.
The European Union has launched IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite) to ensure secure connectivity for institutions, businesses, and European citizens.
With a budget of €10.5 billion, IRIS² will consist of 290 satellites operating in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), integrating with 5G networks to provide advanced telecommunications services. This project represents Europe’s response to Starlink by Elon Musk, focusing on technological sovereignty and security.
A strategic project for Europe’s digital sovereignty
The European Union developed IRIS² to reduce reliance on non-European operators and strengthen the security of its communications.
The primary goal is to offer reliable and protected connections for governments, public agencies, and strategic industries, ensuring the protection of sensitive data and operational continuity in crisis situations.
The European Commission announced the project in November 2022, making it the third major pillar of the EU’s space strategy, alongside Galileo (satellite navigation) and Copernicus (environmental monitoring).
The implementation of IRIS² is led by the SpaceRISE consortium, which includes key players such as SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat, alongside Thales Alenia Space, Airbus Defence and Space, Telespazio, and Deutsche Telekom.
The concession contract for IRIS² was signed on December 16, 2024, marking a significant milestone in building this satellite constellation.
A 290-satellite constellation for connectivity and security
IRIS² will deploy 290 satellites across low and medium Earth orbits to ensure wide coverage and low-latency data transmission. This setup will integrate satellite networks with 5G infrastructure, improving Internet connectivity in remote areas while providing secure communications for institutions and businesses.
Key applications of IRIS² include:
- Security and defense
Supporting military operations, border surveillance, and critical infrastructure protection.
- Emergency management
Ensuring reliable communication in natural disasters or geopolitical crises.
- High-speed Internet access
Bridging the digital divide in rural and underserved areas.
With this combination of advanced connectivity and security, IRIS² is set to become a strategic initiative for the European Union, competing with existing constellations like Starlink by Elon Musk and OneWeb.
First launches and the roadmap to 2030
The IRIS² deployment plan anticipates first launches in 2025, aiming for full operational capability by 2030. The satellite production and launch operations will be managed by leading European satellite operators, including Thales Alenia Space and Airbus Defence and Space.
The project will be rolled out in phases:
- 2025-2026
Initial satellite launches to test the network and begin early services.
- 2027-2028
Expansion of the constellation with additional satellites for broader coverage.
- 2029-2030
Full system deployment and integration into Europe’s telecommunications infrastructure.
The European Union expects IRIS² to become a cornerstone of its digital strategy, ensuring a secure communication network that is competitive on a global scale.
IRIS² and the future of satellite connectivity in Europe
With increasing reliance on digital data and the need for resilient infrastructure, Europe is turning to advanced satellite solutions to safeguard its communications. IRIS² marks a crucial step toward European technological autonomy, enabling the continent to compete with large private constellations like Starlink by Elon Musk.
Thanks to collaboration with major European satellite operators, this project is set to revolutionize how institutions, businesses, and citizens access Internet connectivity and manage their communications securely and efficiently.
The evolution of IRIS² in the coming years will be crucial for the future of cyber security, connectivity, and Europe’s digital sovereignty.
Questions and answers
- What is IRIS²?
IRIS² is a satellite constellation developed by the European Union to provide secure and reliable connectivity, with a focus on security, defense, and Internet access. - How many satellites will IRIS² have?
The constellation will consist of 290 satellites in low and medium Earth orbits, ensuring wide coverage and low latency. - Who is responsible for the IRIS² project?
The project is led by the SpaceRISE consortium, which includes companies such as SES, Eutelsat, Hispasat, Thales Alenia Space, and Airbus Defence and Space. - When will the first IRIS² satellite be launched?
The first launches are expected in 2025, with the full system becoming operational by 2030. - What is the budget for the IRIS² project?
The European Union has allocated €10.5 billion for the development of the satellite constellation. - What are the main applications of IRIS²?
IRIS² will be used for security and defense, crisis management, critical infrastructure monitoring, and high-speed Internet access. - How does IRIS² compare to Starlink?
IRIS² is Europe’s response to Starlink, with a strong focus on security, technological sovereignty, and integration with 5G networks. - Which companies will build the IRIS² satellites?
Companies such as Thales Alenia Space, Airbus Defence and Space, and Telespazio will be responsible for manufacturing and launching the satellites. - How will IRIS² enhance European security?
IRIS² will provide encrypted communications, protecting sensitive data and improving national and infrastructure security. - Will IRIS² be available to private users?
Yes, in addition to government and military use, IRIS² will offer advanced connectivity services to private users and businesses.
