IRIS² Sovereign Connectivity Constellation
Geography: Emea · Europe · Europe
IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) is the EU's planned multi-orbit satellite constellation for secure communications and broadband connectivity. The initial constellation of approximately 290 LEO satellites, complemented by GEO and MEO capacity, is designed to provide encrypted government communications and commercial broadband, with a budget of €6 billion.
The SpaceRISE consortium (led by Eutelsat, SES, and Hispasat with technology partners Airbus, Thales Alenia Space, and others) was awarded the concession in 2024. Initial services are targeted for 2028, with full operational capability by 2030.
The strategic rationale is threefold: government secure communications (military, diplomatic, border control) independent of US systems, rural broadband (connecting the 5% of Europeans without adequate internet), and critical infrastructure resilience (backup connectivity for energy grids, financial systems, and emergency services). IRIS² ensures Europe has sovereign space-based connectivity that cannot be denied or degraded by a foreign actor.
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