EU’s Starlink alternative is finally moving beyond the planning stage
The EU is expanding IRIS² to 348 satellites, creating a sovereign network for governments, defence forces, emergency services, and critical infrastructure.
The European Union is taking a distinct approach compared to SpaceX's efforts to challenge major telecom providers. The EU aims to establish a satellite network under its own control, with the European Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium signing a pact for IRIS², the EU’s secure satellite connectivity program. This expansion brings the satellite constellation to 348 spacecraft, comprising 330 low Earth orbit and 18 medium Earth orbit units, with launches slated for 2029.
IRIS² primarily serves governments, defense, security, emergency services, and critical infrastructure, rather than consumer broadband. The program's growth stems from the crucial role Starlink played in Ukraine during network outages, and during natural disasters where terrestrial infrastructure can be instantly disabled. Concern over reliance on an American-owned service like Starlink during crises spurred the EU's move.
The added 66 satellites specifically aim to bolster defense, security, and emergency communications, potentially boosting EU secure governmental capacity by 60% and global capacity by 54%. ESA will oversee technical development and validation, while SpaceRISE members SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat collaborate on satellites and ground infrastructure alongside European manufacturers.
Despite still years away from operational status, IRIS² has transitioned beyond planning, with Europe actively building the necessary hardware, funding, and industrial capacity to ensure critical communications are not contingent on external providers.
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