IRIS2 lifts off as European Commission and SpaceRISE sign contract in Brussels
16 Dezember 2024 - 2:05PM
Business Wire
- Backed by €6.5 billion of public funds and over €4 billion of
private funds, the multi-orbit satellite network project will
enable Europe’s strategic communications autonomy
- Designed, delivered and operated by the SpaceRISE consortium,
the EU’s 3rd flagship project to be launched into service by early
2030
SpaceRISE, the consortium comprising Eutelsat, Hispasat and SES,
has signed the agreement with the European Commission (EC) and the
European Space Agency (ESA) that will see the consortium design,
deliver and operate the Infrastructure for Resilience,
Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite (IRIS²) for a period of
12 years. The contract was signed today in a ceremony at the
European Commission headquarters in Brussels.
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the full release here:
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Interconnected Multi-Orbit System.
Credit: SES
With the network of 290 new Low Earth Orbit and Medium Earth
Orbit satellites expected to provide services by the beginning of
2030, the IRIS² constellation of satellites for a resilient,
interconnected and secure Europe is an EU flagship initiative.
IRIS² will be the preferred and trusted network for Europe in
delivering secure and reliable high-performance communication
solutions to the EU and its Member States as well as high-speed
broadband connectivity for European citizens, governmental
authorities and businesses, playing a transformative role in
reinforcing Europe’s digital sovereignty, and low-latency
connectivity.
Under the agreement with SpaceRISE, the project will be backed
by €6.5 billion of public funds representing nearly 60% of the
total project costs – comprising funding from the European
Commission, EU Member States, the European Space Agency and private
financing from the consortium members. The SpaceRISE consortium
will lead the wider European space industry to accelerate
innovation throughout the supply chain, enhancing Europe's
leadership and competitiveness in the space sector.
Additionally, the Public-private Partnership (PPP) model in the
form of Concession will unite public and commercial interests in an
unprecedented way, paving the way for continuous implementation of
innovative solutions and platforms for the future.
Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space:
“Today we are not just launching a satellite project. We are
launching a vision - a vision of a stronger, more connected, and
more resilient Europe. IRIS² demonstrates the Union’s resolve and
commitment to strengthening Europe’s space global posture both in
terms of security and competitiveness to the benefit of our
governments, businesses and citizens.”
“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.
Adel Al-Saleh, Chief Executive Officer of SES, said,
“We are honoured to lead the SpaceRISE consortium to work
with the European Commission and the European Space Agency on the
IRIS² project. IRIS² is integral to Europe's space strategy and is
already fostering enhanced collaboration and innovation between the
industry and public sectors. By strategically coming together, we
will be able to ensure architecture resiliency and security from
Day 1 of the system launch. With EC as an anchor customer of the
constellation, our investment into IRIS² will see us augment our
MEO capabilities while executing our required rate of return,
maintaining investment grade balance sheet metrics, and returning
cash to our shareholders.”
Eva Berneke, Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat
commented, “IRIS² programme is a landmark initiative that
embodies Europe’s commitment to digital sovereignty, resilience,
and strategic autonomy. At Eutelsat, we are uniquely positioned to
bring unparalleled expertise to this mission, leveraging our
pioneering capabilities, including our cutting-edge LEO
constellation. By combining this advanced infrastructure with the
collective strengths of the SpaceRISE consortium, we will deliver a
transformative communications backbone that addresses Europe’s most
critical connectivity needs of our governments, reinforces its
leadership in space innovation, and bridges the digital divide for
millions of citizens and businesses across the continent. This
project is a testament to Eutelsat’s vision of driving secure and
sustainable connectivity for a resilient Europe.”
Miguel Ángel Panduro, Chief Executive Officer of Hispasat
added, “The signing of IRIS2 is a historical milestone for European
space. Hispasat was born out of public-private collaboration to
provide government and commercial communications in geographical
areas of interest to our country. We are therefore convinced that,
through SpaceRISE, we will not only guarantee the secure
communications of the Member States, but also contribute to
generating a more innovative and competitive ecosystem at a time of
special relevance for the European space industry.”
About SpaceRISE
SpaceRISE which stands for Space Consortium for a Resilient,
Interconnected and Secure Europe is dedicated to fostering a
resilient, interconnected, and secure Europe through space
innovation. Comprising Europe’s key space and telecom companies
including Airbus Defence and Space, Deutsche Telekom, Eutelsat,
Hisdesat, Hispasat, OHB, Orange, SES, Telespazio, Thales Alenia
Space, and Thales, SpaceRISE aims to bring SMEs and New Space
players together in a multi-national footprint throughout the EU27
Member States to expand its collaboration. By harnessing the
strengths of established industry leaders and emerging innovators,
SpaceRISE is set to drive Europe’s secure and sustainable future in
space.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241216141644/en/
Joanna Darlington Anita Baltagi Eutelsat +33 6 74
52 15 31 +33 6 43 93 01 78 jdarlington@eutelsat.com
abaltagi@eutelsat.com www.eutelsat.com
Víctor Inchausti Hispasat +34 667 31 29 48
vinchausti@hispasat.com www.hispasat.com
Suzanne Ong SES +352710725500 suzanne.ong@ses.com
www.ses.com
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