Space Consortium for a Resilient, Interconnected and Secure Europe
IRIS² | EU Secure Connectivity Programme
Many of us take connectivity for granted, expecting to stay connected wherever we are and whenever we need it.
But in remote areas with limited coverage, so-called “dead zones”, or in regions affected by natural disasters, cyberattacks or other crises where terrestrial networks can be damaged or disrupted, reliable connectivity can no longer be guaranteed.
The European Union’s Secure Connectivity Programme, IRIS², is designed to address these challenges by creating a resilient, secure and sovereign European satellite communication system. The multi-orbit constellation will combine hundreds of satellites in high low Earth orbit and medium Earth orbit to provide secure connectivity services for EU governments, security and emergency services, while also supporting high-speed broadband access for citizens and businesses in areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable.
IRIS² will support critical applications such as border surveillance, crisis response, emergency communications, secure governmental operations and the protection of critical infrastructure. By combining advanced satellite technologies with Europe’s industrial expertise, IRIS² will strengthen the EU’s resilience, strategic autonomy and competitiveness in the global space sector.
A Multiorbital Constellation Meeting a Broad Range of Governmental and Commercial Users Needs
IRIS² is the EU’s satellite network that will provide sovereign, secure, reliable connectivity across Europe and beyond. It helps protect Europe’s digital independence and ensures governments, emergency services, and citizens can stay connected even in remote areas or during crises.
IRIS² will use 330 satellites across Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), combining the strengths of both to deliver reliable connectivity where it is needed. LEO satellites, closer to Earth, provide faster and more responsive connections, while MEO satellites, further away, cover much larger areas, helping connect more people and places across Europe.
Governance
IRIS² is the result of an unprecedented European cooperation through a Public-Private Partnership, bringing together EU institutions, Member States and Europe’s space industry.
The European Commission is the programme owner and manager, setting the strategic direction and overseeing its implementation. The SpaceRISE consortium, made up of SES, EUTELSAT and HISPASAT, brings together leading European satellite operators with expertise in LEO and MEO systems to develop and operate the connectivity infrastructure.
ESA acts as the design authority, ensuring the technical excellence of the system, while EUSPA contributes its expertise in secure governmental services, including GOVSATCOM. Together, these partners are building a European secure connectivity system that strengthens resilience, innovation and competitiveness.
Role of SpaceRise in IRIS²
On 6 August 2026, the European Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium concluded negotiations and signed an implementation agreement to roll out IRIS², the European Union’s new flagship satellite constellation. The agreement inter alia 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.
EU Member States Participation
IRIS² is designed as a European programme open to all EU Member States and to third countries that formally join the initiative, such as Norway and Iceland. This inclusive approach ensures that participating countries can benefit from secure and resilient connectivity services. In response to the evolving geopolitical environment and growing security needs, several Member States are also strengthening the programme through additional national investments. Poland, Hungary and Spain have already announced significant contributions to further reinforce IRIS² capabilities and support Europe’s strategic autonomy in space.
Strong European Industry Footprint
European industry is at the heart of IRIS². Leading satellite manufacturers, including Airbus Defence and Space, Thales Alenia Space, OHB and Aerospacelab, will contribute their expertise to design and build the space and ground infrastructure. Together with companies across the European supply chain, start-ups, SMEs and mid-caps, they will drive innovation and ensure that IRIS² strengthens Europe’s industrial competitiveness and technological leadership in space.
More information on IRIS2 can be found on the official website of the European Union: https://eu-space.europa.eu/programmes/secure-connectivity-iris2-and-govsatcom/iris2
SpaceRISE - News and Related Press-releases
SpaceRISE
Commission accelerates IRIS² deployment with enhanced security and expanded satellites network 07/08/2026 (EN)
SpaceRISE brings into use Ka-mil capability, thereby securing filings of Europe’s Ka spectrum on the IRIS² orbit 19/01/2026 (EN)
News alert: SpaceRISE successfully moves into next phase of the IRIS2 project 14/05/2025 (EN)
IRIS² lifts off as European Commission and SpaceRISE sign contract in Brussels, 16/12/2024 (EN)
Décollage réussi pour IRIS² grâce à la signature à Bruxelles du contrat entre la Commission européenne et SpaceRISE, 16/12/2024 (FR)
European Commission
Commission takes next step to deploy the IRIS² secure satellite system, 16/12/2024 (EN)
European Space Agency
ESA to support the development of EU’s secure communication satellites system, 16/12/2024 (EN)