The European Union is moving forward with one of its most ambitious space infrastructure projects yet — a 348-satellite network designed to provide secure communications, high-speed connectivity and greater technological independence for Europe.
The project is called IRIS², short for Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite. It is being developed as the European Union’s next major space program, following initiatives such as Galileo for satellite navigation and Copernicus for Earth observation.
The European Commission says the network will ultimately consist of 348 satellites operating across low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO).
The combination of different orbital levels is designed to provide reliable, secure connectivity while supporting a range of government and commercial applications.
Europe Wants More Control Over Its Communications
IRIS² is often discussed in the context of rapidly expanding satellite internet systems such as SpaceX’s Starlink. But the European project has a broader strategic mission than simply providing another consumer internet service.
A major objective is giving European governments access to secure communications infrastructure that is less dependent on systems controlled outside the European Union.
The network is expected to support encrypted communications for EU institutions, government ministries and embassies, while also helping with emergency response, border and maritime monitoring, critical infrastructure protection and communications during major disruptions.
For Europe, satellite connectivity is increasingly viewed not only as a technology issue, but also as a matter of security and resilience.
Internet Access Is Part of the Plan Too
Government communications are only one part of IRIS².
The European Commission says the system is also expected to support businesses and consumers, particularly in areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is limited or unavailable.
Potential applications include transportation, energy networks, banking, remote healthcare and other industries that depend on reliable data connections.
For residents of rural or underserved regions, the constellation could eventually provide another way to access high-speed connectivity when fiber or other terrestrial infrastructure is difficult to deploy.
A Multibillion-Euro European Space Project
IRIS² represents a major public-private investment.
The European Space Agency previously estimated the total value of the project’s 12-year concession contract at approximately €10.6 billion.
Funding is expected to come from several sources, including the European Union, ESA and private industry.
The project is being developed with the SpaceRISE consortium, bringing together major European satellite operators and companies from across the continent’s space industry.
In August 2026, the European Commission announced another agreement with SpaceRISE connected with expanding the constellation, marking another step toward building the operational network.
First Satellites Expected Later This Decade
IRIS² will not appear overnight.
According to current European plans, the first satellite launches are expected around 2029, with services beginning around 2030 and broader operations targeted for the following years.
That timeline means Starlink will maintain a significant head start. SpaceX has already built a massive operational satellite network and established satellite internet services across many parts of the world.
Europe’s strategy, however, appears to be focused on something different: creating a communications infrastructure that it can rely on for decades and that remains under European strategic control.
More Than a European Version of Starlink
Calling IRIS² simply “Europe’s answer to Starlink” makes for an easy headline, but it doesn’t tell the entire story.
The project combines commercial connectivity with government communications, cybersecurity, emergency communications and strategic infrastructure.
That distinction could become increasingly important as satellite networks become a larger part of the world’s communications infrastructure.
Europe already operates Galileo as an alternative global navigation system and Copernicus as one of the world’s most important Earth-observation programs.
IRIS² could become the third major pillar of that strategy.
And with 348 satellites planned across multiple orbits, Europe is making it clear that it does not intend to remain dependent on foreign satellite networks for some of its most important communications.
For the global satellite industry, another major player is preparing to enter orbit.
