Europe’s New Satellite Network: A Challenger to Starlink’s Reign?
The European Union is making a notable move in the global space race, unveiling an ambitious plan to create a vast satellite internet network capable of rivaling Elon Musk’s Starlink. This $11.1 billion project, known as Iris², aims to launch nearly 300 satellites into low and medium Earth orbits by 2030, considerably boosting the EU’s digital sovereignty and providing secure dialogue for its governments.
Announced in 2022, Iris² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) is a public-private partnership. Initially estimated at €6 billion, the project’s cost ballooned to €10.6 billion ($11.1 billion) during negotiations.The final agreement allocates 61% of funding from public coffers, wiht the remaining portion covered by a private consortium called SpaceRise. SpaceRise, selected in October, comprises industry giants such as Eutelsat, a French satellite company that notably merged with its European competitor OneWeb in 2022.
This bold initiative underscores the EU’s determination to reduce its reliance on foreign satellite networks for critical communication infrastructure.The project’s scale and ambition are undeniable, aiming to provide a secure and independent option to existing providers.
In contrast, Starlink, owned by SpaceX, already boasts a substantial lead with approximately 6,000 satellites in orbit and over 4 million subscribers. The company has secured major contracts with prominent players like Royal Caribbean and United Airlines, and is even preparing to launch a direct-to-phone service in partnership with T-Mobile. This highlights the competitive landscape Iris² will be entering.
The success of Iris² will depend on several factors, including the timely deployment of its satellites, the advancement of robust and reliable technology, and the ability to attract a substantial user base. While Starlink currently holds a dominant position, the EU’s ambitious project could reshape the global satellite internet market and offer a compelling alternative, particularly for those prioritizing security and independence.
The European Union is unveiling Iris², a $11.1 billion project aiming to launch nearly 300 satellites into orbit by 2030. [1] [2] [3]
This project is a public-private partnership, led by a consortium called SpaceRise, wich includes industry giants like Eutelsat, and aims to provide secure interaction for European union governments and offer new connectivity options for private companies and citizens. [1] [2] [3]
While Starlink already has a notable head start with its 6,000 satellites in orbit and millions of subscribers, Iris² represents a direct challenge to its dominance in the satellite internet market. [1] [2]Aiming for completion by 2030, the EU hopes to provide a secure and independent communication solution for its member states and citizens, thereby reducing reliance on foreign satellite networks. [1] [2] [3]
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