The IRIS2 system - Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite - will consist of interconnected satellites operating in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO). This architecture ensures continuous connectivity, robust security, and faster communication without the need for thousands of satellites. An additional service layer will also be developed in LEO to enhance capabilities.
The European IRIS2 constellation, launched by European rockets, will support the EU's goals of autonomy, resilience, and competitiveness. It will provide seamless secure governmental communications while offering premium commercial services. IRIS2 follows ESA's success with other EU flagship programs such as Copernicus, the world's largest Earth-observation program, and Galileo, the leading civilian satellite navigation system.
ESA is enabling IRIS2's development through a partnership with the SpaceRISE consortium, selected by the European Commission. SpaceRISE, led by SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat, will execute a 12-year concession contract valued at euro 10.6 billion. Funding will come from the EU ( euro 6 billion), ESA ( euro 550 million), and private sector contributions exceeding euro 4 billion.
ESA will oversee technical development and validation, leveraging its extensive experience in space program implementation. The first IRIS2 launch is projected for 2029.
Timo Pesonen, the European Commission's Director-General for Defence, Industry and Space, said: "The Commission has delivered on the Union's imperative need for an autonomous and secure connectivity capability. IRIS2 underpins our strategic autonomy and defence capacity, promotes our competitiveness, and energises public and private sectors cooperation."
Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General, commented: "In an increasingly complex geopolitical world, ensuring resilient, secure and fast governmental communications is essential. ESA will play a crucial role in the technical implementation of the IRIS2 programme. ESA's excellence will foster innovation in the European space industry, boost European competitiveness, create jobs and attract talents to Europe. The Commission's trust in ESA to oversee the development of the constellation and its ground infrastructure speaks volumes of ESA's successful track record in the delivery of European flagship programmes. ESA is ready to deliver again, for Europe and its citizens."
Adel Al-Saleh, SES CEO, stated: "We are honoured to lead the SpaceRISE consortium to work with the European Commission and the European Space Agency on the IRIS2 project. IRIS2 is integral to Europe's space strategy and is already fostering enhanced collaboration and innovation between the industry and public sectors. By strategically coming together, we will be able to ensure architecture resiliency and security from day one of the system launch. With the EC as an anchor customer of the constellation, our investment in IRIS2 will see us augment our medium Earth orbit capabilities while executing our required rate of return, maintaining investment grade balance sheet metrics, and returning cash to our shareholders."
Eva Berneke, CEO of Eutelsat, added: "The IRIS2 programme is a landmark initiative that embodies Europe's commitment to digital sovereignty, resilience, and strategic autonomy. At Eutelsat, we are uniquely positioned to bring unparalleled expertise to this mission, leveraging our pioneering capabilities, including our cutting-edge low Earth orbit constellation. By combining this advanced infrastructure with the collective strengths of the SpaceRISE consortium, we will deliver a transformative communications backbone that addresses Europe's most critical connectivity needs of our governments, reinforces its leadership in space innovation, and bridges the digital divide for millions of citizens and businesses across the continent. This project is a testament to Eutelsat's vision of driving secure and sustainable connectivity for a resilient Europe."
Miguel Angel Panduro, CEO of Hispasat, highlighted: "The signing of IRIS2 is a historical milestone for European space. Hispasat was born out of public-private collaboration to provide government and commercial communications in geographical areas of interest to our country. We are therefore convinced that, through SpaceRISE, we will not only guarantee the secure communications of the Member States, but also contribute to generating a more innovative and competitive ecosystem at a time of special relevance for the European space industry."
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IRIS2 at a glance
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