Europe takes on Starlink with $11.5 billion IRIS² satellite constellation

ESA expects to launch the first IRIS² satellites in 2029, and SpaceRISE, a consortium formed by satellite operators Eutelsat, Hispasat, and SES, said it expects to begin providing service in early 2030.

Industry collaboration and funding

The European Commission has signed a 12-year concession contract worth €10.6 billion ($11.1 billion) with SpaceRISE , which is also supported by a core group of European subcontractors specializing in satellite communications. Key collaborators include Thales Alenia Space, OHB, Airbus Defence and Space, Telespazio, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Hisdesat, and Thales SIX

The EU will contribute €6 billion and ESA  €550 million, while over €4 billion will come from private industry.

“To ensure financial sustainability, the Commission will make initial budgetary commitments under the current multiannual financial framework,” the European Commission said. “Future funding beyond 2027 will be subject to the adoption of successor programmes by the European Parliament and Council alongside the availability of appropriations.”

IRIS² won’t be launching into a vacuum: There are several other players already offering satellite internet service.

The backers of IRIS² are entrusting it with something of a public service mission, delivering high-speed, secure communications for government and commercial operations, serving European defense needs, bridging digital divides, and providing alternatives to foreign-owned infrastructure. The service also aims to differentiate itself technically with its interlinked LEO and MEO satellites