EU aims for satellite independence with IRIS2 launch
The European Commission has signed an agreement with the SpaceRISE consortium to provide satellite internet through the IRIS2 system, which aims to make the European Union independent of external providers like Elon Musk's Starlink.
The IRIS2 System (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnection and Security by Satellites) will use a constellation of 290 communications satellites, and the satellite internet service is expected to be available as early as next year.
The provider will be the SpaceRISE consortium, which includes satellite operators: France's Eutelsat, Luxembourg's SES, and Spain's Hispasat, as well as companies like Thales Alenia Space, OHB, Airbus Defence and Space, Telespazio, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Hisdesat, and Thales SIX.
The project was initiated in 2022 by the then-commissioner for the internal market and defence industry, Thierry Breton. Defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius emphasized the European Union's determination to strengthen Europe's position in space: "IRIS2 demonstrates the Union's determination and commitment to enhancing Europe's global position in space."
The twelve-year concession contract is expected to allow for both governmental and commercial communication services. Although the European Commission has not disclosed the project's costs, it was previously estimated that the public contribution would amount to approximately 3 billion euros (around 4.4 billion CAD), with the remaining funds to be provided by the companies involved in the project.
IRIS2 as an opportunity to become independent from Elon Musk
Through IRIS2, the European Union aims to become independent from external satellite service providers, particularly from SpaceX's Starlink, created by Elon Musk. The market is also competitive with the American giant Amazon's Kuiper project and the British company OneWeb. Previously, the United Kingdom government, which exited the EU in 2020, sought to involve OneWeb in a joint project with Eutelsat.
As emphasized by the European Commission in a statement provided to the Polish Press Agency, the IRIS2 system represents a significant step towards European sovereignty and secure connectivity, strengthening the continent's global position in space technology.
