Iris II
IndustrySatellite Internet access
Space
Telecommunications
Founded2022 (2022)
HeadquartersEuropean Space Agency headquarters
Number of locations
1
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsSatellite based broadband internet access
OwnerEuropean Union

IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) is a planned multi-orbit satellite internet constellation to be deployed by the European Union by 2027.[1][2][3][4]

It is intended to provide service to governmental agencies as well as commercial service to private entities. Its conception is a direct response to an increasing number of large satellite internet constellations outside of the control of the EU, such as Starlink or the forthcoming Kuiper project.[4] The total budget for the project is projected at €2.4 billion, to be funded from the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021–2027.[1]

In addition to its use for communications, there are also plans to use IRIS² for space surveillance, and to detect high-altitude spy balloons.[5]

IRIS² is part of an overall EU space strategy that will include the forthcoming EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence.[6]

History

The project was first announced by the Council of the EU in November 2022.[1] As of 2023, the project is still in its planning stages.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Council and European Parliament agree on boosting secure communications with a new satellite system". www.consilium.europa.eu. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
  2. ↑ "Welcome to IRIS², Europe's new Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnection & Security by Satellites". European Commission - European Commission. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
  3. ↑ "OBSERVER: Copernicus gets sibling— IRIS², the new EU Secure Communication Constellation". www.copernicus.eu. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
  4. 1 2 "Europe wants its own ultra-secure satellite constellation". Le Monde.fr. 2022-12-25. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
  5. ↑ "EU hopes new satellites can spot spy balloons, spacecraft". POLITICO. 2023-02-14. Retrieved 2023-02-21.
  6. ↑ Flaherty, Nick (2023-01-24). "EU calls for 'single market' of space". eeNews Europe. Retrieved 2023-02-21.


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