Iris II
IndustrySatellite Internet access
Space
Telecommunications
Founded2022 (2022)
HeadquartersEuropean Space Agency headquarters
Number of locations
1
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsSatellite based broadband internet access
OwnerEuropean Union

IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) is a planned multi-orbit satellite internet constellation to be deployed by the European Union by 2027.[1][2][3][4]

It is intended to provide service to governmental agencies as well as commercial service to private entities. Its conception is a direct response to an increasing number of large satellite internet constellations outside of the control of the EU, such as Starlink, OneWeb and Kuiper project.[4] The total budget for the project is projected at €2.4 billion, to be funded from the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021–2027.[1]

While IRIS² number of satellites is estimated in 250-300 in both LEO and GEO orbits, Starlink have already launched over 4,000 satellites, OneWeb over 200 and Kuiper will launch over 2,000 satellites.

In addition to its use for communications, there are also plans to use IRIS² for space surveillance, and to detect high-altitude spy balloons.[5]

IRIS² is part of an overall EU space strategy that will include the forthcoming EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence.[6]

History

The project was first announced by the Council of the EU in November 2022.[1] As of 2023, the project is still in its planning stages.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Council and European Parliament agree on boosting secure communications with a new satellite system". www.consilium.europa.eu. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
  2. ↑ "Welcome to IRIS², Europe's new Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnection & Security by Satellites". European Commission - European Commission. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
  3. ↑ "OBSERVER: Copernicus gets sibling— IRIS², the new EU Secure Communication Constellation". www.copernicus.eu. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
  4. 1 2 "Europe wants its own ultra-secure satellite constellation". Le Monde.fr. 2022-12-25. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
  5. ↑ "EU hopes new satellites can spot spy balloons, spacecraft". POLITICO. 2023-02-14. Retrieved 2023-02-21.
  6. ↑ Flaherty, Nick (2023-01-24). "EU calls for 'single market' of space". eeNews Europe. Retrieved 2023-02-21.


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