Comisia Europeană accelerează implementarea IRIS²

The European Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium have concluded negotiations and signed an implementation agreement for the launch of IRIS², the new flagship satellite constellation of the European Union.

The agreement, among other things, adds 66 satellites to the low Earth orbit program, bringing the main constellation to 348 satellites and moving it from planning to large-scale implementation. 

These negotiations, which began in January, confirmed the key parameters of the program and the necessary adjustments, including design, system capacity, implementation timeline, target price, and investments from private operators. Under the agreement, European manufacturers have committed to providing additional satellites designed with enhanced resilience. Concrete next steps are now in place to achieve the first launches by 2029.  

Once operational, the constellation will provide sovereign, secure, and highly reliable connectivity for European governments, defense and security forces, and emergency services across Europe. 

From plans to implementation: concrete next steps towards 2029 

The Commission, the European Space Agency, and the EU Agency for the Space Program, together with the SpaceRISE consortium and European industrial partners, have defined the necessary next steps for achieving IRIS². These include completing the detailed design of the satellite constellation, preparing for satellite construction and secure ground infrastructure, securing launch services, and progressively implementing operational connectivity services starting in 2029.

The future constellation will consist of 348 satellites, including 330 satellites in low Earth orbit and 18 satellites in medium Earth orbit, with additional optional elements to support specific missions. 

A strengthened constellation for security and resilience 

To respond to a changing security environment, the Commission is increasing the capacity of IRIS² beyond the initial project. A dedicated layer of an additional 66 satellites in high and low Earth orbit will enhance capabilities for defense, security, and emergency services, further improving its architecture.  

This enhancement will increase secure governmental capacity by 60% within the EU and by 54% globally, while significantly expanding Europe’s ability to support critical missions during crises. 

The European industry is committed to implementing IRIS² 

IRIS² will be built through a strong Team Europe approach, combining the expertise of the European Commission, member states, the European Space Agency, the EU Agency for the Space Program, and the European industry. Within the public-private partnership, the SpaceRISE consortium (composed of SES, EUTELSAT, and HISPASAT) and European manufacturers have committed to providing the necessary space and ground infrastructure to meet the accelerated timeline. 

The industrial team includes major European space companies such as Airbus Defence and Space, Thales Alenia Space, OHB, and Aerospacelab, along with numerous companies from the European supply chain. By design, the program will also generate opportunities for start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and mid-cap companies developing innovative space technologies. 

Secure connectivity when it matters most 

IRIS² will enable authorized governmental users from EU member states and participating countries, currently Norway and Iceland, to communicate securely and continuously during critical operations. Whether responding to emergencies, protecting critical infrastructure, or supporting security missions, IRIS² will provide Europe with autonomous and resilient connectivity capability. 

Ensuring good cost-benefit ratio 

Faster implementation and increased capacity needed for defense and security needs mean additional investment in the program budget. This investment will support the enhancement of satellite technologies and the implementation of the expanded constellation, while ensuring the efficient use of existing program resources. Funding will come from a combination of EU budget resources for the period 2028-2034 and additional investments from member states and third countries. 

Member states are already strengthening IRIS² through national investments to meet specific additional needs. Poland and Hungary have already committed €656 million and €500 million, respectively, while Spain has announced investments ranging from €1.6 to €2 billion. Other contributions from member states are under review, with relevant agreements currently being finalized. 

Next steps 

With a clear roadmap outlining the next steps, the Commission has sent an official letter to the European Parliament and member states to inform them of the outcome of the negotiations and the implementation phase. 

Under the leadership of the Commission and the technical expertise of the European Space Agency, the SpaceRISE consortium will now accelerate the development of the program. This includes the manufacturing of satellites, procurement of launch services, and development of secure ground infrastructure to ensure the timely deployment of the constellation. 

Context 

The IRIS² satellite network will provide sovereign, secure, and reliable connectivity across Europe and beyond. It contributes to safeguarding Europe’s independence in connectivity and ensures that governments, emergency services, and citizens can remain connected, even in remote areas or during crises. 

On December 16, 2024, the Commission signed the 12-year concession contract for IRIS² with the SpaceRISE consortium (SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat), officially transforming the planned secure satellite connectivity system of the EU into a legally binding and officially funded project. The agreement launched the public-private partnership for the design, construction, implementation, and operation of IRIS². 

Since December 2024, the SpaceRISE consortium and the Commission have focused on detailing the system design, allocating industrial work packages, and preparing large-scale public procurement for satellites, launch services, and ground infrastructure. At the same time, they have continued to refine the constellation architecture and security requirements. 

The Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium began negotiations on governance, technical structure, and financing of the program, known as Rendezvous 1, in January 2026. The negotiations concluded on August 7, 2026. 

For more information 

IRIS²: the new secure satellite constellation of the EU 

IRIS² factsheet  

IRIS² video 

(via European Commission in Romania)