Last Friday, the European Commission and the consortium SpaceRISE signed an implementation agreement to deploy IRIS2, the new flagship satellite constellation of the European Union.
The agreement, among other things, incorporates into the program 66 satellites in low Earth orbit, so that the main constellation now has 348 satellites and moves from the planning phase to large-scale deployment.
These negotiations, which began in January, have confirmed the key parameters of the program and the necessary adjustments, including design, system capacity, deployment schedule, indicative price, and investments from private operators. Under the agreement, European manufacturers have committed to supplying the additional satellites, designed with greater resilience. Concrete next steps have already been taken to carry out the first launches before 2029.
Once operational, the constellation will provide sovereign, secure, and highly reliable connectivity to European governments, defense and security forces, and emergency services across Europe.
The Commission, the European Space Agency, and the European Union Agency for the Space Program, along with the consortium SpaceRISE and European industrial partners, have defined the necessary next steps to carry out IRIS2. These include finalizing the detailed design of the satellite constellation, preparing for the construction of the satellites and a secure ground infrastructure, contracting launch services, and the progressive deployment of operational connectivity services starting in 2029.
The future constellation will consist of 348 satellites, with 330 satellites in low Earth orbit and 18 satellites in medium Earth orbit, with additional optional elements to support specific missions.
To respond to a constantly evolving security environment, the Commission is expanding the capacity of IRIS2 beyond the original design. A specific layer of 66 additional satellites in low Earth orbit will enhance the capabilities of defense, security, and emergency services, further improving its architecture.
This reinforcement will increase secure governmental capacity by 60% within the EU and by 54% globally, while significantly expanding Europe’s ability to support crucial missions during crises. Under a public-private partnership, the consortium SpaceRISE (composed of SES, EUTELSAT, and HISPASAT) and European manufacturers have committed to providing the necessary space and ground infrastructure to meet the accelerated timeline.
The industrial team includes major European space companies, such as Airbus Defence and Space, Thales Alenia Space, OHB, and Aerospacelab, along with numerous companies from across the European supply chain. By its very nature, the program will also generate opportunities for startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and mid-cap companies developing innovative space technologies.
IRIS2 will enable authorized governmental users from all EU member states and participating countries (currently Norway and Iceland) to communicate securely and continuously during critical operations. Whether responding to emergencies, protecting critical infrastructure, or supporting security missions, IRIS2 will provide Europe with autonomous and resilient connectivity capability.
Member states are already reinforcing IRIS2 through national investments to address specific additional needs. Poland and Hungary have already committed 656 million and 500 million euros, respectively, while Spain has announced investments ranging from 1.6 billion to 2 billion euros. Other contributions from member states are being considered, and relevant agreements are currently being finalized.
Under the leadership of the Commission and with the technical expertise of the European Space Agency, the consortium SpaceRISE will now accelerate the development of the program. This includes satellite manufacturing, contracting launch services, and developing a secure ground infrastructure to ensure the timely deployment of the constellation.
