Elon Musk’s Starlink network has transformed global communication, offering internet access to remote areas worldwide.
With thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit, it leads the market in providing reliable and fast connectivity. However, the European Union aims to reduce its reliance on external providers like Starlink.
To achieve this, the EU is launching Iris², a satellite communication network designed to enhance Europe’s autonomy in space and communications.
A Multibillion-Euro Investment
The ambitious Iris² project, a collaboration between the EU and the European Space Agency (ESA), involves deploying 290 satellites across low and medium Earth orbits, according to Uusisuomi.
The network is intended to deliver secure communication capabilities for both administrative and commercial use.
The EU announced that Iris² is part of a strategy to establish a robust and independent presence in space.
"In a geopolitically complex world, it’s essential to ensure sustainable, secure, and fast communication," ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher stated in a press release.
The Iris² initiative will span 12 years and is valued at €10.6 billion.
Funding will come from various sources: €6 billion from the EU, €4 billion from private investors, and €550 million from ESA.
Timo Pesonen, Director General of Defence, Industry, and Space for the European Commission, emphasized the project’s importance, saying it "supports our strategic autonomy and defense capabilities while fostering public-private collaboration."
The network’s design differs significantly from Starlink’s.
While Starlink operates with more than 6,700 satellites exclusively in low Earth orbit, Iris² will use a smaller number of satellites strategically distributed across multiple orbital layers.
This approach ensures continuous coverage while avoiding the clutter of thousands of satellites.
The first satellite is scheduled to launch in 2029, with the full network operational by 2030. All launches will use European-made rockets, further reinforcing the EU’s commitment to autonomy.
