The European Union has officially entered the satellite internet race with its newly announced Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite (IRIS²) program. This ambitious project, developed in collaboration with SpaceRISE—a consortium of leading European satellite operators and aerospace firms—aims to challenge SpaceX’s Starlink in the satellite connectivity market.
The 10.6 billion euro ($11 billion) initiative will deploy a constellation of 290 satellites, blending Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) systems, to provide high-speed internet and secure connectivity. With its first launch slated for 2029, IRIS² marks Europe’s significant push into satellite-based communication technologies.
How IRIS² stacks up against Starlink
IRIS² is designed to serve both governmental and civilian users, offering secure and reliable internet connectivity in underserved areas. Unlike Starlink’s extensive network of over 7,000 LEO satellites covering more than 100 countries, IRIS² will focus exclusively on Europe, with a more modest fleet of 264 LEO and 18 MEO satellites.
This smaller-scale approach leverages interlinked satellite technology, reducing the need for a massive constellation while maintaining efficient high-speed internet services. Although IRIS² won’t rival Starlink’s global reach, it aims to address Europe-specific challenges with precision, making it a targeted alternative for European users.
Applications of IRIS²
The European Space Agency (ESA) envisions IRIS² as a versatile system capable of serving diverse sectors. For government use, it will support border and maritime surveillance, crisis management, and protection of critical infrastructure. Defense and security applications are also central to the project, aligning with Europe’s growing emphasis on technological independence.
In the civilian domain, IRIS² will provide mobile and fixed broadband access, cloud-based services, and connectivity solutions for transportation. Industries such as maritime, aviation, and energy grid management are expected to benefit, along with remote healthcare and efforts to bridge the digital divide in rural areas.
A collaborative effort with long-term investment
The 12-year concession contract for IRIS² is backed by the EU, the ESA, and private players in the SpaceRISE consortium, including SES, Eutelsat, Hispasat, Airbus, and Deutsche Telekom. The European Union will act as the anchor customer, ensuring a stable base of operations.
With a hefty budget and a clear focus on strategic applications, IRIS² represents a calculated move to bolster Europe’s technological capabilities. While it won’t dethrone Starlink globally, its regional focus and secure connectivity features position it as a strong competitor in the European satellite internet market. As the space race intensifies, IRIS² signals Europe’s determination to carve out its place in the evolving landscape of satellite communication.
