Two years ago, the EU agreed to develop its own satellite network to enhance strategic satellite broadband capabilities. The Interconnectivity and Security Satellite (IRIS²) system aims to be Europe’s answer to Starlink, much as Galileo serves as a European alternative to GPS. With a winning bid now selected, that goal is closer to reality.
The winning bid. The European Commission has awarded the contract to build IRIS² to SpaceRISE, a consortium led by SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat from Spain. The contract has a 12-year duration, which the Commission expects to sign by the end of 2024.
In addition to the three lead companies, the project includes several European subcontractors: Thales Alenia Space, OHB, Airbus Defence and Space, Telespazio, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Hisdesat, and Thales SIX.
A $6.5 billion project. IRIS² is the EU’s response to U.S. and Chinese satellite mega-constellations. The European Commission expects the satellite network to be operational by 2030. The estimated project cost is €6 billion ($6.5 billion), with 60% funded by the Commission and the remaining 40% by private companies. However, some analysts suggest the total cost may reach €10 billion (nearly $11 billion).
Purpose of IRIS². The IRIS² constellation aims to provide “sovereign, secure, and resilient” communications services across Europe. Although the network is modest compared with its U.S. and Chinese counterparts, it will include more than 290 satellites in various orbits, along with the necessary ground infrastructure, such as stations and antennas.
Initially, the system will serve government users in EU member states, but it’s expected to eventually offer commercial services, allowing private companies to recoup their investments.
Differences from Starlink. The primary difference between IRIS² and Starlink (and its government version, Starshield) lies in orbital configuration. The European project will combine satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO), medium-Earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary orbit (GEO) to achieve full coverage with fewer satellites. This approach sacrifices the lower latency possible with low-orbit satellites but enables more comprehensive coverage.
Another difference is the number of satellites planned: SpaceX’s Starlink network, for example, aims for up to 30,000 satellites, all launched on its own rockets. Meanwhile, China’s Guowang project is working on a government-funded constellation of 13,000 satellites. Amazon’s Kuiper project has authorization to launch 3,200 satellites into LEO.
Environmental requirements. As part of IRIS²’s environmental considerations, European lawmakers have strengthened sustainability requirements to offset emissions, limit space debris, and reduce light pollution.
The brightness of satellite constellations is a growing concern for astronomers, whose observations are increasingly disrupted by the presence of more than 6,000 Starlink satellites already in orbit.
Image | Mario Caruso (Unsplash)
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