EU's IRIS Satellite Network to Launch in 2029 for Emergency and Security Services
The European Commission has approved the deployment of the IRIS satellite broadband service, a sovereign network designed for critical operations such as emergency response and border surveillance. The constellation will consist of 348 satellites, with the first launches scheduled for 2029. Unlike SpaceX's Starlink, which has over 10,000 satellites, IRIS is not intended for consumer use but will support government and partner operations in the EU, Norway, and Iceland. The network may eventually extend services to businesses and citizens in areas lacking reliable traditional networks. 
