EU kick starts new secure satellite constellation

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The European Commission has awarded contracts for the €10.6 billion IRIS² satellite constellation, a project designed to provide secure, encrypted communications for EU governments and develop new commercial services. Comprising over 280 satellites, IRIS² marks Europe’s third major space initiative after Galileo and Copernicus, addressing concerns about Elon Musk’s Starlink network and Europe’s “digital sovereignty.” The first launch is planned for mid-2029, with full deployment expected by 2030. Led by a consortium of Eutelsat, Hispasat, and SES, the project will include Airbus and Thales Alenia Space as suppliers after their withdrawal from full membership due to economic risks. Partially EU-funded and overseen by the European Space Agency, IRIS² aims to boost Europe’s competitiveness, security, and strategic autonomy in space.

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