Europe is launching its own ambitious satellite internet constellation, IRIS2, to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink adn Jeff Bezos’ Kuiper. After a two-year growth phase, the European Commission has awarded the contract to build this mega-constellation to the SpaceRISE consortium, a group of leading satellite operators.
The consortium, comprised of Eutelsat (France), SES (Luxembourg), and Hispasat (Spain), will collaborate with subcontractors and satellite manufacturers Thales Alenia Space and Airbus Defense and Space. European telecommunication giants Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Hisdesat, and Thales Six are also on board.
The ambitious project aims to deploy 290 satellites and the necessary ground infrastructure, with the independent network expected to be operational by 2030. While governments will be the initial users, commercial applications are also a key part of the plan.
“What if thier ground system suddenly failed? What would happen if there was a cyberattack?”
These concerns, highlighted by the war in Ukraine, underscored the need for Europe to have its own secure satellite internet network. IRIS2, launched in November 2022 by former European Commissioner Thierry Breton, offers a solution. although initially estimated at €6 billion, experts now believe the project will cost closer to €12 billion. This notable increase drew criticism from Germany’s Vice Chancellor robert Habeck, who labeled it “exorbitant” in a letter to Brussels, particularly as German companies have limited involvement.
Despite the cost concerns, IRIS2, with its 290 satellites, represents a powerful communication tool and a symbol of european independence, much like the Galileo global navigation satellite system, which serves as the European option to the American GPS.
The European Commission has been cautious about disclosing the final cost. SpaceRISE, a public-private partnership, will receive funding from the EU and the European Space Agency, which initially budgeted over €3 billion. However, the public contribution is likely to exceed this amount, with the private sector, including the consortium members, covering the remainder.
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