EU-Satellitenkonstellation: Überraschung bei Iris2: Start-up baut Großteil der Satelliten – Rückschlag für Airbus
Mit Aerospacelab setzt sich ein junges Unternehmen aus Belgien gegen den Airbus-Konzern durch. Aber auch ein deutsches Unternehmen kommt beim europäischen Satellitennetzwerk zum Zuge.
The European Union is embarking on an ambitious project dubbed Iris2, aimed at making Europe independent from SpaceX's Starlink satellite network and providing secure military and intelligence internet. After facing delays, the plans are now set to enter a concrete phase, according to recent EU announcements. Although few details have been made public, several surprises have emerged, as reported by the Handelsblatt through sources familiar with the matter.
Belgian start-up Aerospacelab, established in 2018, is set to construct up to 264 of the total 348 satellites. This presents a significant challenge for the company, as it involves manufacturing several technically complex satellites for low Earth orbit (LEO) within a short period. The contract value is estimated at a minimum of 1.8 billion euros, making Iris2 the first major space project in Europe entrusted to a start-up for a key component. The entire project is costing 15.6 billion euros – nearly half more than the 2018 projection.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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