MDA Space has received authorization to begin work on digital antenna equipment for 66 satellites in Europe’s IRIS² secure-connectivity program. The October 30, 2026, agreement with Thales Alenia Space covers MDA AURORA broadband digital phased-array antennas and digital antenna controllers.
The equipment is destined for the constellation’s Layer 1 satellites in low Earth orbit, with launches planned for 2029. The authorization-to-proceed agreement has a reported value exceeding $100 million.
Digital beamforming controls the antenna’s radio beams electronically. The antenna controller coordinates the array’s operation, supporting communications links without relying solely on mechanical movement to redirect coverage.
IRIS² stands for Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite. The European Union program is developing secure satellite connectivity, with the 66 early-delivery spacecraft forming a defined portion of the system.
The agreement establishes MDA’s contribution at the antenna-subsystem level. Thales Alenia Space will integrate that equipment into the spacecraft for the Layer 1 deployment.
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