Commission takes next step to deploy the IRIS² secure satellite system

The European Commission has signed the 12-year concession contract with the SpaceRISE consortium to develop, deploy and operate IRIS², a multi-orbital constellation of 290 satellites intended to provide secure connectivity for governments and high-speed broadband for companies and citizens. SpaceRISE includes SES SA, Eutelsat SA and Hispasat S.A., supported by subcontractors such as Thales Alenia Space, OHB and Airbus Defence and Space. The partnership is set to enable governmental and commercial services by 2030, with the EU as anchor customer and funding from EU and ESA public investment plus private investment from SpaceRISE. The Commission will make initial budgetary commitments under the current multiannual financial framework, and funding beyond 2027 depends on successor programmes adopted by Parliament and Council.