The European Union has embarked on an ambitious €10 billion space initiative, unveiling plans for a constellation of 290 satellites designed to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink network. This strategic move marks a significant development in Europe’s pursuit of technological sovereignty and secure communications infrastructure.
The programme, dubbed Iris2, represents a substantial investment in the bloc’s security architecture, specifically tailored to serve governmental and military communications needs amidst growing cybersecurity threats. The sophisticated network will effectively deliver capabilities equivalent to 1,000 satellites through its innovative combination of high- and lower-powered orbital systems.
Notable exclusions from this venture include the United Kingdom, which has not sought involvement following its post-Brexit departure from EU space programmes. The British government previously withdrew from the Galileo satellite network, opting instead to develop its own limited two-satellite system, including the recently launched Tyche Earth-imaging military satellite.
Commercial operations under Iris2 will be managed by three major operators: Eutelsat, SES, and Hispasat. These enterprises will have the capacity to establish service agreements with non-EU countries, potentially opening doors for international collaboration. The project has attracted participation from leading European aerospace companies, including Airbus Defence and Space, Deutsche Telekom, and Thales Alenia Space.
The programme’s 12-year timeline projects initial operational capability by 2030, positioning the EU as a significant competitor in the global satellite communications market. This development comes at a crucial time, as concerns over cybersecurity and digital sovereignty have intensified following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and reported cyberattacks across European nations.
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