EU takes a step forward in building Starlink-equivalent satellite internet network 'IRIS2,' aiming to start operation in 2030



The European Commission aims to fully provide the internet network 'IRIS 2 ', consisting of 290 artificial satellites, by 2030, and announced on December 16, 2024 that it has signed a contract with the SpaceRISE consortium, consisting of major satellite communication operators. The project aims to strengthen the EU's digital sovereignty and increase resilience against cyber threats and blended threats, and is positioned as an alternative to Starlink operated by Elon Musk's space company SpaceX.

Commission takes step for the IRIS² secure satellite system
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_6439



It was decided that IRIS 2 will be built on November 17, 2022. The European Commission stated, 'IRIS 2 will provide government services including protection of critical infrastructure, situational awareness, support for external activities and crisis management. All these services will increase the resilience of the EU. IRIS 2 is not only intended to benefit government agencies and EU institutions, but will also enable the private sector to provide commercial services, thereby contributing to improving the competitiveness of European industry.' The UK has not participated in IRIS 2 since its conception stage, as it left the EU on January 31, 2020.

Council and European Parliament agree on boosting secure communications with a new satellite system - Consilium
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/11/17/council-and-european-parliament-agree-on-boosting-secure-communications-with-a-new-satellite-system/

In this December 16, 2024 announcement, the European Commission announced significant progress on IRIS 2. Most notably, the Commission signed a patent agreement with the SpaceRISE consortium, which includes the three major European satellite operators: SES SA, Eutelsat SA and Hispasat SA.

The contract lasts for 12 years, and the European Commission aims to enable government and commercial connectivity services by 2030. The system will consist of 290 satellites in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO), providing critical infrastructure to address the EU's long-term security, safety and resilience challenges.

The project is funded by a public-private partnership with public investment from the EU and the European Space Agency (ESA), as well as private investment from the SpaceRISE consortium. The EU is seen as the main customer. According to ESA, the project will invest approximately 10.6 billion euros (approximately 1.7 trillion yen) in development.



Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen and Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrjus Kvirjus emphasised that the project is not just a technological achievement, but an important step towards enhancing Europe's strategic autonomy, protecting critical infrastructure and improving connectivity to remote areas.



According to the economic media CNBC , China is also developing a satellite network system to rival Starlink, and in August 2024, Shanghai Yuanxin Satellite Science and Technology Co., Ltd. launched a satellite for its own satellite network system, the G60 Starlink, into low orbit.

China finally launches satellite for Starlink rival satellite internet 'G60 Starlink' - GIGAZINE

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