ESA Programme Related to EU Secure Connectivity (IRIS²)

ESA is cooperating with the European Commission to develop the EU's flagship multi-orbit secure telecommunications programme, Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite (IRIS²). The programme will provide the EU and its Member States with secure connectivity services for government authorities, businesses and citizens, as well as play a role in connecting underserved communities, to help bridge the digital divide.

IRIS² will be a multi-orbit constellation, with approximately 300 satellites spanning across low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO). By utilising both orbits, the constellation will benefit from the low latency of LEO and the wider coverage of MEO, providing a superior commercial and sustainable system that is competitive and reduces the need to deploy two constellations to offer the same capabilities. An additional layer in Low LEO providing further services will also be developed and launched.

The system will be fully compatible with 5G technologies allowing seamless integration in existing and future connectivity systems, allowing for the optimisation of the constellation size and improving interoperability with existing systems and technologies.

On 16 December 2024, ESA signed a 12-year agreement with the European Commission to supervise the work of the selected SpaceRISE consortium to develop, qualify, and validate the constellation in orbit.

The launch of the first IRIS² satellites is envisaged for 2029, with the full services of the currently planned multi-orbit constellation in 2030.  

“Working with our partners at the European Commission and SpaceRISE, we are proud to support the development, qualification and in-orbit validation of the next EU flagship programme for space. Through ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications directorate, we will leverage decades of experience in developing and implementing space programmes with Industry. We look forward to carrying forward the implementation of the programme hand-in-hand with the colleagues from the European Commission,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

"In an increasingly complex geopolitical world, ensuring resilient, secure and fast governmental communications is essential. ESA will play a crucial role in the technical implementation of the IRIS² programme. ESA’s excellence will foster innovation in the European space industry, boost European competitiveness, create high-skill jobs and attract talents to Europe. The Commission’s trust in ESA to oversee the development of the constellation and its ground infrastructure speaks volumes of ESA’s successful track record in the delivery of European flagship programmes. ESA is ready to deliver again, for Europe and its citizens,” said Josef Aschbacher, ESA’s Director General.