The European Union has initiated an formidable €10.6 billion challenge to develop its personal satellite tv for pc web constellation, named IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Safety by Satellite tv for pc), aiming to scale back dependence on international suppliers like SpaceX’s Starlink.
IRIS² is deliberate to include 290 satellites deployed in low and medium Earth orbits, with the aim of offering safe and high-speed web connectivity throughout Europe, notably in distant and underserved areas.
The European Fee will fund 61% of the challenge, with the remaining funding coming from the SpaceRISE consortium, which incorporates firms akin to Eutelsat, Hispasat, and SES.
The challenge is anticipated to be operational by 2030, enhancing Europe’s strategic autonomy within the area and telecommunications sectors.
