The European Commission has finalized the implementation agreement with the SpaceRISE consortium, transitioning the IRIS² constellation from planning to full-scale deployment. The revised strategy adds 66 satellites to the high low Earth orbit (LEO) shell, bringing the total count to 348. This expansion is designed to boost secure government service capacity by 60% within the EU and 54% outside, prioritizing defense and security resilience.
Budget surge to €15.6 billion
The program's total cost has climbed to €15.6 billion, a 47% increase from the €10.6 billion estimate provided in December 2024. Funding is split between the European Commission and ESA, providing €11.6 billion, while the SpaceRISE consortium contributes €4 billion. To manage this increase, Brussels will utilize the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework and direct contributions from member states, including Spain (€1.6-2 billion) and Poland (approx. $750 million).
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Multi-orbit architecture and industrial roles
The constellation will maintain 18 satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO) while expanding the high-LEO shell at 1,200 km. Within the consortium led by Eutelsat, SES, and Hispasat, the latter has been named prime contractor for antenna infrastructure and control systems—a complex project valued at over €1.6 billion. Eutelsat will lead the LEO segment.
The push for sovereign infrastructure
IRIS² is a strategic move to eliminate dependence on non-EU providers, mirroring the urgency for digital sovereignty in an era of increasing cyber threats. Alongside the orbital network, the Commission has launched a €20 million grant call to develop homegrown satellite terminals for Ka-band connectivity. While the EU aims for a "faster-to-market" approach, satellite launches are still scheduled to begin in 2029, as the bloc strives to keep pace with the rapid advancements of SpaceX and China.
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