# Commission takes next step to deploy the IRIS² secure satellite system

Source: https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/commission-takes-next-step-deploy-iris2-secure-satellite-system-2024-12-16_en
Kiwi News: https://news.kiwistand.com/stories/Commission-takes-next-step-to-deploy-the-IRIS-secure-satellite-system?index=0x6765287934f65cd5507e30c860dc29338419e10ee73fffbe1685b539c5c774bebd9b91cf
Submitted by misha on 2024-12-20 UTC, 1 upvote, 0 comments

## Summary

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.

## Article

The Commission has signed the concession contract for the Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite (IRIS²), a multi-orbital constellation of 290 satellite, with the SpaceRISE consortium. This partnership will develop, deploy, and operate the European Union's new system. It is a significant step towards Europe's sovereignty and secure connectivity.

IRIS²: secure and advanced satellite connectivity

IRIS² represents the European Union's third flagship programme, designed to address pressing longterm challenges in security, safety, and resilience. By offering advanced connectivity services to governmental users and bridging connectivity gaps across the Union, IRIS² underpins Europe's strategic autonomy and technological leadership.

The IRIS² system will leverage the unique advantages of both Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.

This cutting-edge constellation will provide:

Secure connectivity services for EU Member States and governmental authorities.

High-speed broadband for private companies and European citizens, including coverage in connectivity-deprived zones.

SpaceRISE Consortium: Pan-European Collaboration

The SpaceRISE consortium, entrusted with the implementation of this ambitious project, includes three leading European satellite network operators—SES SA, Eutelsat SA, and Hispasat S.A.— supported by a core team of European subcontractors from the satcom ecosystem. Key partners include Thales Alenia Space, OHB, Airbus Defence and Space, Telespazio, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Hisdesat, and Thales SIX.

This collaboration emphasises a commitment to competitiveness and innovation, ensuring that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and new market entrants have opportunities within the supply chain.

A Public-Private Partnership for a Connected Future

The 12-year concession contract establishes a robust public-private partnership to enable both governmental and commercial connectivity services by 2030. Key features include:

The European Union serving as the anchor customer for services.

Funding sourced from public investments by the EU and the European Space Agency (ESA), alongside private investments from the SpaceRISE consortium.

To ensure financial sustainability, the Commission will make initial budgetary commitments under the current multiannual financial framework. Future funding beyond 2027 will be subject to the adoption of successor programmes by the European Parliament and Council alongside the availability of appropriations.

Driving Europe's Connectivity Goals

With IRIS², the European Union is solidifying its position as a global leader in secure satellite connectivity, ensuring resilience in the face of emerging challenges.

This programme not only addresses today's connectivity needs but also lays the groundwork for Europe's strategic autonomy in a digitalised world.

For more information:

IRIS² | Secure Connectivity - European Commission

Regulation (EU) 2023/588 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2023 establishing the Union Secure Connectivity Programme for the period 2023-2027

Press Release