Europe’s New Satellite Network: A Challenger to Starlink’s Reign?

The European Union is making a notable move in the global space race, unveiling an ‍ambitious plan to create a vast satellite internet network⁢ capable of rivaling​ Elon Musk’s Starlink. This $11.1 billion ‌project,​ known as ‌Iris²,⁢ aims ‍to‌ launch nearly 300 satellites into low and medium Earth orbits by 2030, considerably boosting ‍the EU’s digital sovereignty and providing⁣ secure dialogue for its governments.

Announced​ in 2022, Iris² (Infrastructure for Resilience,​ Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) ⁤is a public-private partnership. Initially estimated at €6 ‌billion, the project’s cost ballooned to €10.6 billion ($11.1 billion) during negotiations.The final agreement allocates 61% of funding from‍ public coffers, wiht the remaining portion covered by ⁣a private consortium called SpaceRise. SpaceRise, selected in⁣ October, comprises industry giants ⁤such as Eutelsat, a French satellite company that notably merged with its European competitor OneWeb in 2022.

This bold ⁣initiative underscores the EU’s determination to reduce its reliance on foreign satellite⁤ networks ⁤for critical communication infrastructure.The project’s scale and ambition are undeniable, aiming ⁣to provide a secure and independent option to existing providers.

In contrast, Starlink, owned by SpaceX, already boasts a substantial ⁣lead with ⁣approximately‍ 6,000 satellites in orbit and over 4 million subscribers. The company has‍ secured major contracts with prominent players like Royal Caribbean and United Airlines, and is even preparing to launch a direct-to-phone service in partnership with T-Mobile. This highlights the⁢ competitive landscape Iris² ‌will be entering.

The success of Iris² will depend‌ on​ several factors, including the timely deployment of its satellites, the advancement of robust and​ reliable technology, and the ability to attract a substantial user ‌base. While Starlink currently holds a dominant position, the EU’s ambitious project could reshape‍ the global satellite internet market and offer a⁤ compelling alternative, particularly for‍ those prioritizing security and independence.

The European Union is unveiling Iris²,⁢ a ‍$11.1 billion project aiming⁣ to​ launch nearly 300 satellites into⁤ orbit ⁢by 2030. [1] [2] [3]



This project is⁢ a public-private partnership, led ⁢by a consortium called SpaceRise, wich includes industry giants⁢ like Eutelsat, and aims to provide ⁤secure interaction for European union governments and offer new connectivity options for private⁢ companies and citizens. [1] [2] [3]



While ⁢Starlink already ⁢has‍ a notable head start with‌ its 6,000 satellites in orbit and millions of​ subscribers, Iris² represents a direct challenge to its dominance in the satellite ‍internet market. [1] [2]Aiming for⁣ completion by 2030, the ‌EU hopes to provide a secure and⁢ independent communication solution for its member states and citizens, thereby reducing reliance on‍ foreign satellite⁣ networks. [1] [2] [3]