The European Union has selected SpaceRISE, a consortium made up of some of Europe’s leading space and telecommunications companies, to carry out the design, implementation, and operation of IRIS². This secure connectivity system, based on a multi-orbit satellite constellation, will mark a milestone in European digital and communication infrastructure, ensuring an autonomous, resilient, and low-latency network for the 27 member states.
A Step Towards European Digital Autonomy
IRIS², which stands for “Interconnected Resilient Infrastructure for Security,” has been designed to enhance Europe’s ability to respond to crises, protect critical infrastructures, and reduce the digital divide. The system will provide robust and secure connectivity that will support public institutions, businesses, and citizens, solidifying European technological sovereignty at a time of increasing global competition in space.
IRIS² is expected to be fully operational by the early 2030s, becoming a key tool in Europe’s digital and defense strategy. This ambitious project will be financed through a public-private partnership, backed by the European Commission, the European Space Agency (ESA), and private funding from consortium members.
SpaceRISE: The Consortium Behind IRIS²
SpaceRISE, which stands for “Space Consortium for a Resilient, Interconnected and Secure Europe”, is made up of a team of top-tier companies, including Airbus Defence and Space, Deutsche Telekom, Eutelsat, Hisdesat, Hispasat, OHB, Orange, SES, Telespazio, Thales Alenia Space, and Thales. This collaboration represents a strategic alliance that brings together major industry players with SMEs and startups, achieving a multinational footprint across the European Union.
Statements from Consortium Leaders
Eva Berneke, CEO of Eutelsat, emphasized the program’s relevance for Europe and her company’s commitment: “The IRIS² program is an extension of our commitment to European digital sovereignty, through ongoing investments in multi-orbit technology that are essential for Europe’s strategic resilience. We are proud to support the EU in this project alongside our consortium partners to deliver a secure, future-ready communication system.”
Meanwhile, Miguel Ángel Panduro, CEO of Hispasat, underscored the value of IRIS² as a sovereign communications system: “We are firmly committed to everything that IRIS² represents: a sovereign and secure communications system, based on innovative European developments and public-private collaboration. This ambitious project will define the future of satellite communications in Europe.”
Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES, also expressed his enthusiasm: “Being selected as a trusted partner for IRIS² is an honor. This system will be the cornerstone of Europe’s space and defense strategies in the coming years. IRIS² aligns with our multi-orbit network and strengthens our commitment to advancing our MEO capabilities, as well as access to LEO orbits.”
The Importance of IRIS² in the Global Context
Competition in the space sector has prompted Europe to adopt a strategy that ensures its autonomy and security in this field. IRIS² will not only provide secure and low-latency connectivity but will also deliver critical communication infrastructure during emergencies, such as natural disasters or conflicts. In an increasingly connectivity-dependent world, the implementation of IRIS² will be crucial for ensuring Europe’s technological independence.
A Commitment to Collaboration and Innovation
With a combination of major industrial players and innovative SMEs, the SpaceRISE consortium seeks to bring to life a shared vision of a connected and secure Europe from space. The consortium’s inclusive strategy will enable the European Union to establish itself as a leader in space innovation, leveraging the experience of established companies alongside the agility of new entrants in the sector.
The signing of the final contract between SpaceRISE and the European Commission is expected by the end of this year, marking the beginning of a project that will transform the European communications landscape.
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