Context:

The European Commission has signed the concession contract with the SpaceRISE consortium for IRIS², a multi-orbital constellation of 290 satellites.

Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite (IRIS2)

It is the European Union's third flagship program, designed to offer connectivity services to governmental users as well as private companies and individuals.

Compared to Starlink, which has already deployed over 7,000 low Earth satellites covering more than 100 countries and territories worldwide, the IRIS² deploys much smaller satellites as it focuses solely on Europe.

The IRIS2 constellation has interlinked satellites comprising 272 and 18 satellites in low and medium Earth orbits respectively will enable it to offer secure high-speed internet connectivity without needing thousands of satellites.

The first satellite launch is planned for 2029. 

The 12-year concession contract with SpaceRISE establishes a public-private partnership to enable both governmental and commercial connectivity services by 2030.

IRIS² will support various governmental applications, with a focus on border and maritime surveillance, crisis management, connection and security of key infrastructure, etc.

As for civilian use, it will offer mobile and fixed broadband satellite access, and cloud-based services, used in the transportation sector to navigate areas with low connectivity.

The project will be backed by €6.5 billion of public funds representing nearly 60% of the total project costs from the European Commission, EU Member States, the European Space Agency, and private financing from the consortium members. 

European Commission 

• European Commission is one of the organs of the European Union Comprised of 26 Commissioners and one Commission President.
• It serves as the EU's executive branch, enforcing treaties, representing common interests, and proposing laws.
• Additionally, it represents the interests of the EU on the global stage, ensuring a coordinated approach among EU countries.
• The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 European countries that entered into force in 1993 to foster economic cooperation and ensure lasting peace in Europe.