Europe's IRIS² Satellite Network Moves to Deployment Phase
The European Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium have signed an implementation agreement for the IRIS² satellite network, marking its transition from planning to full-scale deployment. The network, designed to provide secure, encrypted connectivity for governments and emergency services, will consist of 348 satellites, an increase from the originally planned 282. The first launches are scheduled for 2029. This initiative aims to enhance Europe's defense and security capabilities, providing a sovereign alternative to SpaceX's Starlink. 
