The European Union, unveiled an ambitious €10.6 billion ($11.13 billion) space program, IRIS², which will deploy a constellation of 290 satellites, providing a commercial alternative to rival Starlink of Elon Musk.
The space program aims at ensuring secure connectivity for the bloc’s governments and armed forces while addressing rising global cybersecurity concerns.
“It is a significant step towards Europe’s sovereignty and secure connectivity,” an EU statement declared.
Leveraging technological advances, the network of high- and low-powered satellites will effectively function as a “mega constellation” of 1,000 satellites, akin to Starlink.
Iris2 will build on Europe’s existing satellite networks, which provide services ranging from TV and internet to defense and weather monitoring. However, its creation also highlights the widening security divide between the EU and the UK post-Brexit.
IRIS²: EU’s third space flagship
Iris2 marks the EU’s third flagship satellite initiative, following Galileo and Copernicus. It aims to tackle long-term challenges intensified by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and alleged cyberattacks across Europe.
First announced in 2022, IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite) is a public-private partnership whose cost projections surged by 76% during challenging negotiations, climbing from an initial estimate of €6 billion. Ultimately, 61% of the program’s funding will come from public sources, with the remainder contributed by an industry consortium named SpaceRise, selected in October. This consortium includes the French satellite leader Eutelsat, which merged with its European rival OneWeb in 2022.
In contrast, Elon Musk’s Starlink has already deployed approximately 6,000 satellites in orbit, surpassed 4 million subscribers, and secured high-profile deals with companies like Royal Caribbean and United Airlines. Additionally, it is preparing to roll out a direct-to-phone service in collaboration with T-Mobile.
Iris2 includes two types of satellites operating in medium and low Earth orbits. The first communications, both governmental and commercial, are anticipated by 2030.
The IRIS² system will leverage the unique advantages of both Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to provide:
- Secure connectivity services for EU Member States and governmental authorities.
- High-speed broadband for private companies and European citizens, including coverage in connectivity-deprived zones.
Key players in the project include major European aerospace and telecommunications firms, such as Airbus Defense and Space, Deutsche Telekom, Thales Alenia Space, and Telespazio. Notably, British companies are absent from the list.
UK’s absence from Iris2
Despite common interests in defense and security, the UK has made no request to participate in the Iris2 program.
A senior EU official stated, “At this stage, we have not received any sign or manifestation of interest from our UK partners.”
Before Brexit, the UK had access to the EU’s Galileo satellite network. However, the British government opted out during Brexit negotiations, deciding instead to develop its own capabilities. This includes the Tyche Earth-imaging satellite launched in August and the upcoming Juno satellite set for 2027.
Under EU guidelines, third countries can engage in the program by entering commercial agreements with one of the satellite operators—Eutelsat, SES, or Hispasat—or by becoming full members through financial contributions. However, the UK’s involvement remains uncertain despite Labour leader Keir Starmer’s pledge to improve EU-UK relations.