EU's IRIS² Satellite Network to Enhance Secure Connectivity by 2029

The European Commission and SpaceRISE consortium are advancing the IRIS² satellite program, expanding it to 348 satellites to ensure secure connectivity for government and emergency services by 2029. This initiative aims to bolster Europe’s strategic autonomy and provide resilient communications during crises. The constellation will include 330 satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 18 in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), enhancing secure government capacity by 60% within the EU. The project is a public-private partnership involving SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat, with the first launches scheduled for 2029. The system is designed for critical applications such as emergency response and protection of infrastructure, ensuring continuous communication for authorized users even in critical situations.

Key Points: • IRIS² will consist of 348 satellites, enhancing secure EU communications by 60%. • The program is a collaboration between the European Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium. • First satellite launches for IRIS² are planned for 2029, focusing on government and emergency services.