European Commission Accelerates IRIS2 Network Deployment with Increased Budget
The European Commission, along with the European Space Agency and the SpaceRISE consortium, has announced an acceleration in the deployment of the IRIS2 secure communications constellation. Initially planned for 2030, the operational connectivity services are now expected to begin in 2029. This decision follows a comprehensive review of the program's costs, technical requirements, and delivery timelines. The budget for the IRIS2 program has increased significantly, from the original €10.55 billion to over €15.6 billion, with public funding and contributions from industrial partners like Hispasat, SES, and Eutelsat. The constellation will now include 348 satellites, with a mix of low Earth orbit and medium Earth orbit satellites.