European Space Agency Announces €10.6 Billion Investment in Secure Satellite Constellation

Europe Will Build Its Own Secure Satellite Network

In a significant move, the European Space Agency (ESA) has signed a €10.6 billion contract to develop the IRIS constellation, a massive satellite project aimed at providing secure and reliable connectivity across the continent. The 12-year contract is expected to see the first launch in 2029.

The IRIS (Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) network will consist of almost 300 satellites, with most operating in low earth orbit and some in a medium earth orbit. While the primary focus of the project is commercial broadband services, it’s crucial to note that a significant portion of the satellites’ capacity will be dedicated to security and crisis management.

The ESA has partnered with the European Commission through SpaceRISE, an industrial consortium comprising notable satellite operators like SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat. Additionally, Deutsche Telekom, Airbus, and Thales have also joined forces for this ambitious endeavor.

It’s worth mentioning that €6 billion of the total cost will come from the EU, with the ESA contributing €550 million. The remaining €4 billion is expected to be secured through investments from the private sector.

While Starlink, a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX, has already completed its first direct-to-cell network, Europe’s IRIS project won’t become operational until several years later. Therefore, it appears that Starlink will dominate the current satellite internet market.

The IRIS constellation is not only crucial for providing secure and reliable connectivity but also highlights the European Union’s commitment to promoting digital sovereignty and creating a robust alternative to existing satellite networks.

Source: www.engadget.com