The IRIS² constellation - an acronym for Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite - will include hundreds of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and more satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO)
A multi-orbital constellation of around 300 satellites, which will provide resilient, secure and fast communications to EU governments, European companies and citizens, will be put into orbit following the approval of two key contracts today in Brussels.
Constellation IRIS² – initials of Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite - Will include hundreds of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) as well as additional satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO). The integration of the satellites in the various orbits will allow the constellation to provide secure and fast communication, and to remain continuously connected without the need for thousands of additional satellites. In addition, another layer will be developed in a low route that will provide additional services.
The constellation, which will be launched using European missiles, will advance Europe's autonomy, resilience and competitiveness. It will ensure continuous access to secure communications services for governments and provide advanced commercial services.
IRIS² is a continuation of other European Space Agency (ESA) projects for the European Union, such as Copernicus - The largest Earth observation program in the world, fGalileo – The most accurate satellite navigation system for citizens. As the EU's third flagship program in space, IRIS² will be a strategic asset for the Union and support its sovereignty.
The launch of the constellation will be carried out using European missiles and will strengthen the autonomy, durability and competitiveness of Europe. IRIS² will ensure continuous access to secure communications services for governments and provide advanced commercial services.
New contracts for the development of IRIS²
The European Space Agency (ESA) supports the development of IRIS² through a partnership contract with an industrial consortium called SpaceRISE, selected by the European Commission. The contract, signed for 12 years, includes cooperation between ESA, the European Commission and leading companies in the satellite industry such as SES, Eutelsat, AndHispasat.
The total contract is estimated at a cost of 10.6 billion euros, which will be financed as follows:
- 6 billion euros from EU funding.
- €550 million from ESA.
- Over 4 billion euros from the private sector.
ESA will act as the supervisor of the development and validation activities carried out by the industrial consortium. The first launch of IRIS² is planned for 2029.
Declarations of project participants
Timo Pesonen, Director General of the Defense, Industry and Space Division at the European Commission, said: "The Commission has provided a response to the Union's basic need for autonomous and secure communication. IRIS² supports our strategic autonomy and defensive capability, promotes competitiveness and encourages cooperation between public and private sectors."
Joseph Ashbacher, ESA Director General, said: “In a complex geopolitical world, ensuring durable, secure and fast government communications is essential. ESA will deliver innovation in the European space industry, strengthen competitiveness, create jobs and attract talent to Europe."
Adel al-Saleh, CEO of SES, added: "IRIS² is an essential part of the European space strategy, and it is already promoting collaborations between industry and the public sector."
Eva Branca, CEO of Eutelsat, stated: "The IRIS² program symbolizes Europe's commitment to digital sovereignty, resilience and strategic autonomy."
Miguel Angel Pandora, CEO of Hispasat, concluded: "IRIS² is a historic landmark for European space, and will strengthen our space industry."
