17 December 2024
The European Commission has signed a landmark concession contract with the SpaceRISE consortium to implement the Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite (IRIS²). This ambitious project marks a pivotal step in ensuring Europe’s sovereignty and secure connectivity through a state-of-the-art multi-orbital satellite system.
As the European Union’s third flagship programme, IRIS² is designed to enhance security, safety, and resilience across the region. With a constellation of 290 satellites spanning Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the system will:
This initiative strengthens Europe’s strategic autonomy and technological leadership, addressing pressing challenges in a rapidly digitalising world.
The SpaceRISE consortium, led by SES SA, Eutelsat SA, and Hispasat S.A., unites a core team of European subcontractors, including Thales Alenia Space, Airbus Defence and Space, OHB, and Telespazio. Notably, the partnership integrates Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and new market players, fostering innovation across the European space ecosystem.
Under a 12-year concession, this public-private partnership aims to deliver both governmental and commercial connectivity services by 2030. Funding will come from public investments by the EU and the European Space Agency (ESA), complemented by private contributions from SpaceRISE.
IRIS² is set to bridge connectivity gaps, ensure resilience, and cement Europe’s global leadership in secure satellite communications. As the EU’s anchor customer, this transformative programme ensures a connected future while advancing Europe’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness.
Read the FULL PRESS RELEASE
