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Europe Will Launch Its Own Satellite Constellation As Its Breakup With America Continues
Jalopnik • • world
Key Points:
- The European Union plans to launch IRIS², a sovereign satellite constellation of 66 new satellites by 2029, increasing its total to 348 satellites aimed at providing secure communication redundancy for EU governments and militaries.
- IRIS² will operate mostly in low-Earth orbit (330 satellites) with an additional 18 satellites in medium-Earth orbit, enhancing coverage and serving as a backup to existing commercial satellite services like SpaceX's Starlink.
- The project is managed by the SpaceRISE consortium, consisting of European companies SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat, with funding from the EU and member states including Spain, Poland, and Hungary, prioritizing public and defense sector access.
- This initiative reflects Europe's effort to establish independent space capabilities amid concerns over reliance on U.S. commercial operators like Starlink and geopolitical uncertainties affecting transatlantic partnerships.
- While Europe faces challenges due to its collaborative funding model compared to the more centralized U.S. approach, IRIS² marks a significant step toward enhancing the EU’s strategic autonomy in space communications.
