The European Union (EU) has just launched Iris², a major satellite project aimed at competing with Elon Musk's Starlink and other satellite systems. With a modern design and strategic goals, the project promises to provide autonomy and connectivity power for Europe in the digital age.
Iris² and the goal of competing with Elon Musk's Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper
Iris² is the EU's flagship satellite project aimed at building a network of nearly 300 multi-orbit satellites. This system aims to compete with American satellite internet services like Elon Musk's Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper.
According to Ms. Henna Virkkunen, Vice President of the European Commission, Iris² will protect critical infrastructures, provide connectivity for remote areas, and enhance Europe's strategic autonomy. This system is designed not only to serve governments but also to cater to private customers, aiming to ensure secure communication for military, defense, and diplomatic sectors.
Iris² will be developed in the form of a public-private partnership, with a projected budget of up to 10.6 billion euros (11.13 billion USD). More than half of the budget will be funded by the EU, with the rest coming from private investment and the European Space Agency (ESA).
In addition, Iris² will provide broadband connectivity in disaster-affected areas and improve monitoring capabilities. The multi-orbit design of the system offers performance equivalent to about 1,000 Starlink satellites, according to EU officials. Notably, the ground infrastructure of Iris² will be entirely based in Europe, with control centers in Luxembourg, France, and Italy, ensuring security and independence.
What does Iris² mean in the context of global competition?
The high-speed space connectivity market is becoming increasingly competitive, especially in serving isolated areas. Starlink has currently deployed over 6,000 satellites and serves 2.6 million customers, while Amazon is also developing Project Kuiper with a similar goal.
However, Iris² not only meets current connectivity needs but also lays the foundation for Europe's strategic autonomy in the digital world. This is also the EU's third major space project, following the Galileo satellite navigation system and the Copernicus Earth observation program.
The Iris² project will be implemented over 12 years by SpaceRISE, a joint venture led by top companies such as Eutelsat (France), Hispasat (Spain), and SES (Luxembourg). Other partners include OHB, Airbus Defence and Space, Telespazio, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, and Hisdesat.
According to Mr. Andrius Kubilius, EU Commissioner for Defense and Space, Iris² not only enhances Europe's position in the space sector but also brings benefits to governments, businesses, and citizens. This is a testament to the EU's commitment to building a stronger and more sustainable Europe.
According to the plan, Iris² is set to be fully operational by 2030. With a long-term vision and strong investment, this project will not only help the EU address connectivity needs but also enhance global competitiveness in the space technology sector.