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https://www.technology.org/2024/12/17/european-union-initiates-the-development-of-a-new-secure-satellite-constellation/#:~:text=IRIS%C2%B2%2C%20a%20sophisticated%20multi%2Dorbit,agencies%2C%20and%20essential%20commercial%20operations.

With a staggering budget of 10.6 billion euros ($11.13 billion), the initiative aims to compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink and other rapidly expanding global satellite networks, underscoring Europe’s determination to strengthen its digital infrastructure and sovereignty.

IRIS², a sophisticated multi-orbit network comprising over 280 satellites, will serve as a secure communication backbone for EU governments, public agencies, and essential commercial operations. This encrypted satellite system is designed to fortify the continent’s resilience in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment.

“In an increasingly complex geopolitical world, ensuring resilient, secure and fast governmental communications is essential,” stated Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA). He emphasized that IRIS² will bolster Europe’s competitive edge in the global market while generating new employment opportunities across the region.

As the EU’s third landmark space initiative, IRIS² follows in the footsteps of the Galileo global navigation system and Copernicus Earth observation network, which provides critical climate monitoring services. However, the IRIS² project has faced delays due to disputes over industrial workload distribution and concerns about its substantial cost—debates led primarily by Germany. The rapid rise of Starlink, Musk’s SpaceX satellite network, which currently dominates two-thirds of the satellite market, has driven Europe to accelerate efforts to achieve “digital sovereignty” and reduce reliance on external providers.

The project involves a consortium of major European satellite operators—Eutelsat, Hispasat, and SES—and envisions its first satellite launch by mid-2029, with full deployment targeted by the end of 2030. Oversight of the initiative will be managed by the European Space Agency, with operations headquartered at a control center in central Italy.

Despite this progress, the journey has not been without setbacks. Airbus and Thales Alenia Space, two of Europe’s leading satellite manufacturers, withdrew from the original SpaceRise consortium due to economic uncertainties and mounting financial losses on other ongoing projects. However, both companies will remain part of the IRIS² effort as suppliers, contributing technological expertise while limiting direct exposure to project risks.

IRIS² arrives at a time when European nations face mounting pressure to unite on defense and cybersecurity fronts, particularly as competitors like Amazon’s Kuiper network prepare to enter the market. Yet, questions remain. The project’s momentum was briefly shaken by the resignation of Thierry Breton, the initiative’s most prominent advocate, in September. Furthermore, German defense-tech startup Helsing has raised alarms about IRIS² potentially falling behind in integrating advanced artificial intelligence due to funding-related delays.

Future Implications

The launch of IRIS² is a step toward technological independence in Europe’s strategic sectors, particularly telecommunications and defense. The rise of mega-constellations like Starlink and Kuiper demonstrates the increasing importance of space-based internet services, not only for commercial operations but also for national security and emergency communications. The European Union’s investment highlights its intention to compete in a market currently dominated by private U.S. enterprises, reducing vulnerabilities linked to foreign systems.

From a technological perspective, IRIS² represents a fusion of multi-orbit satellite infrastructure and secure encryption protocols, paving the way for next-generation communications. Through the utilization of innovations such as AI-driven satellite management and low-latency networks, IRIS² has the potential to provide ultra-reliable connectivity for industries like autonomous transportation, healthcare, and critical infrastructure monitoring.

Market dynamics also favor this development. As global demand for secure, high-speed internet grows, Europe’s ability to offer a homegrown solution strengthens its competitiveness and opens avenues for public-private partnerships in the tech space.

Written by Vytautas Valinskas