The European Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium have finalized a €10.5 billion contract to develop and operate the IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite) network. Backed by €6.5 billion in public funding and over €4 billion from private partners, the project will deploy 290 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites by early 2030. The network aims to bolster Europe’s strategic communications autonomy by delivering secure, high-speed, and low-latency connectivity for governments, businesses, and citizens across the EU.
The consortium, led by Eutelsat, SES, and Hispasat, will manage the 12-year initiative to establish a multi-orbit network designed to enhance Europe’s digital sovereignty. The EU will serve as an anchor customer for the system, with initial focus areas including governmental communications, broadband access for underserved areas, and resilience against cybersecurity threats. The project operates under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, combining public oversight with industry-driven innovation.
European Space Agency (ESA) will oversee the technical implementation of IRIS², ensuring the constellation’s design and ground infrastructure meet strategic objectives. Speaking on the occasion, Andrius Kubilius, EU Commissioner for Defence and Space, said, “Today we are not just launching a satellite project. We are launching a vision—one that strengthens Europe’s competitiveness and ensures secure communications for its governments, businesses, and citizens.”
• Satellite Deployment: 290 LEO and MEO satellites to be launched by 2030.
• Funding: €6.5 billion public funding; over €4 billion private investment.
• Consortium Partners: Eutelsat, SES, Hispasat, along with other European space and telecom companies.
• Focus Areas: Secure communications for governments, broadband access, and cybersecurity resilience.
• Lead Agency: ESA to manage constellation design and implementation.
