The European Commission has awarded a landmark contract to the SpaceRISE consortium for the development and operation of IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite), marking a significant advancement in Europe’s space capabilities.
Project Overview
The IRIS² program represents a major public-private partnership that will establish Europe’s sovereign satellite communications system. The constellation will comprise over 290 satellites positioned across multiple orbits, designed to provide both governmental and commercial services.
The SpaceRISE Consortium
The consortium brings together three major European satellite operators:
- Eutelsat SA
- SES SA
- Hispasat S.A.
Supporting these operators is a core team of European industry leaders including Thales Alenia Space, OHB, Airbus Defence and Space, Telespazio, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Hisdesat, and Thales SIX.
Project Timeline and Funding
The 12-year concession contract involves a complex funding structure combining:
- European Union funding
- European Space Agency contributions
- Private investment from the SpaceRISE consortium members
The total project cost is estimated at approximately €12 billion, with the consortium members contributing around €4 billion. Eutelsat will invest approximately €2 billion, while SES and Hispasat will each contribute about €1 billion.
Strategic Objectives
IRIS² aims to strengthen Europe’s:
- Digital sovereignty
- Crisis response capabilities
- Essential infrastructure protection
- Digital divide reduction
The system is designed to provide low-latency connectivity across all EU Member States, with full operational status targeted for the early 2030s.
Implementation Schedule
While initially planned for completion by 2027, the project timeline has been adjusted with initial services now expected to begin in 2030. The final concession agreement is scheduled for signing by December 2024, at which point both parties will formalize their legal and financial commitments.
The project demonstrates Europe’s commitment to establishing autonomous space capabilities and securing its position in the global satellite communications landscape.
Reference: European Commission press release
