The European Union plans to spend about $11.13 billion to develop a satellite network aimed at competing with Elon Musk’s Starlink, according to a press release on Monday.
The European Commission on Monday signed a concession agreement to start building the Satellite Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security (IRIS²). IRIS² is a multi-orbit constellation of 290 satellites intended to provide encrypted global internet connectivity. According to Go to press release. The network is scheduled to launch in 2030.
The EU is developing IRIS² to “avoid the creation of new technological dependencies,” a European Commission spokesperson told the Daily Caller News Foundation. According to a press release, the European Commission described IRIS² as “an important step towards European sovereignty and secure connectivity.”
“IRIS² is not just a technological achievement, but a testament to European ambition and unity,” said Hena Virkunen, Executive Vice President for Technology Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, in a press release. “This cutting-edge constellation will protect critical infrastructure, connect the most remote regions and strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy. By partnering with the SpaceRISE consortium, we will drive innovation and It demonstrates the power of public-private cooperation to bring tangible benefits to all Europeans.”
(Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)
Musk, CEO of Tesla, SpaceX and Starlink, has taken on an increasingly prominent role on the world stage in recent years, and was recently appointed by President-elect Donald Trump to play a key role in the incoming administration. Ta. Starlink, owned and operated by Musk since its launch in 2019. space xhas gained 4 million users worldwide, According to Go to that website. (Related: President Trump is reportedly considering privatizing the U.S. Postal Service)
The US military is also integrating Starlink, and increasingly dependence About the company’s technology. The Pentagon recently awarded SpaceX a contract to expand Ukraine’s access to Starshield, a militarized version of Starlink. According to To Bloomberg. SpaceX is also building a network of hundreds of specialized StarShield reconnaissance satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office, Reuters reported.
“Today, we are not just launching a satellite project. We are launching a vision of a stronger, more connected and more resilient Europe,” said Andrius Cubilius, Director of Defense. the Space Secretary said in a press release. “IRIS² demonstrates the Union’s determination and commitment to strengthening Europe’s global posture in space, both in terms of security and competitiveness, for the benefit of governments, businesses and citizens.”
The Biden-Harris administration’s Federal Emergency Management Agency star link To restore internet access after Hurricane Helen caused widespread power outages in rural areas of the Southeast. In December 2023, the Federal Communications Commission rescinded an $885 million award that would have allowed Starlink to provide high-speed broadband to more than 640,000 rural homes and businesses.
“In order to ensure the EU’s resilience in space and avoid the creation of new technological dependencies, the European Commission will, in particular, “We have proposed IRIS², a new program on secure connectivity to ensure the safety and security of our customers,” a European Commission spokesperson told the Daily Caller News Foundation. said in a statement shared. “It will also strengthen the competitiveness of EU industry. IRIS² will involve the development of a multi-orbital constellation of satellites. Such a constellation will provide ubiquitous high-speed broadband to Europe and the rest of the world. and provide reliable, secure, and cost-effective connectivity to support secure government and commercial communications.”
Eutelsat called out DCNF on Monday press release when asked for comment.
SpaceX, SES, and Hispasat did not immediately respond to requests for comment from DCNF.
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