The European Commission announced it is advancing plans for the multi-orbit sovereign broadband constellation, IRIS², following a final offer from SpaceRISE, a consortium led by prominent European satellite operators SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat. The proposed contract includes the design and deployment of over 290 satellites aimed at enhancing government communications by 2030, with commercial services also anticipated.
Rendering of an inter-connected, multi-orbit constellation. Credit: SES
While the contract remains under final negotiations, expected to wrap up by year’s end, initial satellite deployments are planned for 2025. The global rollout of services was originally set for 2027 but may experience further adjustments.
Europe had committed to covering 60% of the initial 6 billion-euro ($6.5 billion) IRIS² budget, with private industry funding the remainder. However, project delays and increased costs have pushed estimates up to 10 billion euros, according to press reports and sources familiar with the project, which now reflects a more realistic budget projection.
The European Commission, in an October 31 release, stated it will “proceed with a budgetary commitment for the current multiannual financial framework” under a 12-year concession agreement, and potential additional funds might be allocated after 2027. These future allocations are contingent on approval from the European Parliament and Council, and budget availability.
Leading the SpaceRISE consortium, SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat are securing private industry funding alongside contributions from the European Space Agency and EU member states. Subcontractors in SpaceRISE include Hisdesat, Telespazio, OHB, and telecom firms Deutsche Telekom and Orange.
Initially, Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space were co-leaders but have since taken on subcontractor roles, citing challenges around price and performance targets.
Eutelsat CEO Eva Bernke said the constellation will complement and enhance Eutelsat’s existing LEO capabilities. “The IRIS² programme is a powerful extension of Eutelsat’s commitment to advancing Europe’s digital sovereignty through sustained investment in multi-orbit technology to deliver multi-layered, low-latency networks, which are essential to Europe’s strategic resilience,” Berneke said.
SES CEO Adel Al-Saleh commented: “The IRIS² system is aligned with SES’s multi-orbit network and underscores our commitment to advancing our MEO capabilities, as well as having access to LEO orbit.”
The European Commission highlighted SpaceRISE’s commitment to including smaller companies within the IRIS² supply chain, aiming to support a diverse space economy. In its requirements, at least 30% of contracts valued over 10 million euros should be allocated to smaller businesses across the region.
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