IRIS2 contract signed to strengthen Europe's space connectivity and security

IRIS2 contract signed to strengthen Europe's space connectivity and security
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Dec 17, 2024

The European Commission (EC) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have formally partnered with SpaceRISE, a consortium led by Eutelsat, Hispasat, and SES, to deliver and operate the Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite (IRIS2) program. The contract, spanning 12 years, was signed during a ceremony at the EC headquarters in Brussels.

The IRIS2 constellation will consist of 290 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites, with operational services expected to begin by 2030. Designed to enhance Europe's digital sovereignty, the network will deliver secure, high-performance communication solutions to EU institutions, Member States, businesses, and citizens while ensuring low-latency, reliable broadband connectivity.

The project will be supported by euro 6.5 billion in public funding, accounting for nearly 60% of the program's total costs. Financial contributions will come from the European Commission, EU Member States, ESA, and private investment from consortium members. SpaceRISE aims to bolster Europe's space industry through accelerated innovation, ensuring global competitiveness and fostering collaboration across the supply chain.

The IRIS2 initiative also integrates a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, combining public and private sector strengths to develop pioneering solutions and platforms.

Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space, highlighted the broader impact of the project: "Today we are not just launching a satellite project. We are launching a vision - a vision of a stronger, more connected, and more resilient Europe. IRIS2 demonstrates the Union's resolve and commitment to strengthening Europe's space global posture both in terms of security and competitiveness to the benefit of our governments, businesses and citizens."

Josef Aschbacher, ESA's Director General, underscored ESA's technical role: "In an increasingly complex geopolitical world, ensuring resilient, secure and fast governmental communications is essential. ESA will play a crucial role in the technical implementation of the IRIS2 programme. ESA's excellence will foster innovation in the European space industry, boost European competitiveness, create high-skill jobs and attract talents to Europe. The Commission's trust in ESA to oversee the development of the constellation and its ground infrastructure speaks volumes of ESA's successful track record in the delivery of European flagship programmes. ESA is ready to deliver again, for Europe and its citizens."

Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES, emphasized the program's strategic importance: "We are honoured to lead the SpaceRISE consortium to work with the European Commission and the European Space Agency on the IRIS2 project. IRIS2 is integral to Europe's space strategy and is already fostering enhanced collaboration and innovation between the industry and public sectors. By strategically coming together, we will be able to ensure architecture resiliency and security from Day 1 of the system launch. With EC as an anchor customer of the constellation, our investment into IRIS2 will see us augment our MEO capabilities while executing our required rate of return, maintaining investment grade balance sheet metrics, and returning cash to our shareholders."

Eva Berneke, CEO of Eutelsat, described the project as pivotal for Europe's connectivity and autonomy: "IRIS2 programme is a landmark initiative that embodies Europe's commitment to digital sovereignty, resilience, and strategic autonomy. At Eutelsat, we are uniquely positioned to bring unparalleled expertise to this mission, leveraging our pioneering capabilities, including our cutting-edge LEO constellation. By combining this advanced infrastructure with the collective strengths of the SpaceRISE consortium, we will deliver a transformative communications backbone that addresses Europe's most critical connectivity needs of our governments, reinforces its leadership in space innovation, and bridges the digital divide for millions of citizens and businesses across the continent. This project is a testament to Eutelsat's vision of driving secure and sustainable connectivity for a resilient Europe."

Miguel Angel Panduro, CEO of Hispasat, added: "The signing of IRIS2 is a historical milestone for European space. Hispasat was born out of public-private collaboration to provide government and commercial communications in geographical areas of interest to our country. We are therefore convinced that, through SpaceRISE, we will not only guarantee the secure communications of the Member States, but also contribute to generating a more innovative and competitive ecosystem at a time of special relevance for the European space industry."

The SpaceRISE consortium, comprising leading European space and telecom companies such as Airbus Defence and Space, Deutsche Telekom, Eutelsat, Hisdesat, Hispasat, OHB, Orange, SES, Telespazio, Thales Alenia Space, and Thales, aims to foster partnerships across SMEs and emerging players throughout the EU27 Member States. By uniting established industry leaders and innovators, SpaceRISE will drive Europe's secure, sustainable future in space.