EU Commission signs contract to expand IRIS2 satellite constellation
FILE PHOTO: A drone view shows the European Commission headquarters known as the Berlaymont building in Brussels, Belgium April 29, 2026. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo
BRUSSELS, Aug 7 : The European Commission said on Friday it signed an agreement with the space consortium SpaceRISE to expand the IRIS2 satellite constellation it is currently developing.
• The agreement adds 66 satellites into low Earth orbit to the programme, bringing the main constellation to 348 satellites, and moving it from planning to full-scale deployment, the Commission said.
• The constellation, a response to Elon Musk's Starlink and other internet networks, will provide "sovereign, secure and highly reliable connectivity" for European governments, defence and security forces, and emergency services.
• The constellation is set to start operating in 2029.
