🛰️ Europe signs off on IRIS² satellite broadband plan

The European Commission has signed a formal agreement with manufacturers, ESA and other partners to move IRIS² — the EU's sovereign satellite broadband service — from planning into full-scale deployment. Negotiations ran from January.

Under the deal, the constellation grows to 348 satellites, up 66 from the original plan. ESA says the additional spacecraft will increase secure governmental capacity by 60% within the EU and 54% globally.

IRIS²'s primary mandate is reliable, secure connectivity for government users during emergencies, humanitarian operations and border surveillance. Broader commercial and civilian access is planned as a secondary layer, focused on areas without existing network coverage.

First launches are scheduled for 2029. Starlink currently operates more than 10,000 active satellites.

Engadget