IRIS² takes shape as Europe puts €15.6bn satellite plan into orbit

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Published: 2026-09-18T21:25:38.709Z • Permanent link

European satellite operators have taken a significant step towards launching a new constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, dubbed IRIS², with a €15.6 billion investment. The ambitious project aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity to underserved communities worldwide. The initiative is spearheaded by a consortium led by the French satellite company, Eutelsat, in partnership with the European satellite operators, including SES, Intelsat, and Inmarsat. This joint effort is set to put Europe at the forefront of the global satellite industry, marking a significant shift in the sector's dynamics.

Eutelsat's CEO, Elie Reckling, stated that the IRIS² project is a major milestone for the company, highlighting its commitment to delivering innovative solutions for the global telecommunications market. The project is also backed by the European Union, with the EU's Horizon Europe research program providing significant funding for the development of the IRIS² constellation. The EU's support underscores the European satellite industry's growing importance in the global telecommunications landscape.

The IRIS² constellation is expected to consist of 32 satellites, with the first batch of 16 satellites scheduled for launch in 2025. The satellites will operate in the 1.7 GHz to 2.3 GHz frequency band, providing high-speed internet connectivity to remote and underserved communities. The IRIS² project is seen as a major step forward in the European satellite industry's efforts to provide global connectivity, with the potential to bridge the digital divide and drive economic growth.

The IRIS² project has significant implications for the Telecom & Satellite Networks domain, with far-reaching consequences for companies, research communities, and markets. For satellite operators, such as SES and Intelsat, the IRIS² project represents a major opportunity to expand their presence in the global telecommunications market. The project's focus on high-speed internet connectivity for underserved communities also highlights the growing importance of satellite technology in addressing global challenges, such as poverty and inequality.

The IRIS² project also has significant implications for the research community, with the potential to drive innovation in satellite technology and telecommunications. The project's focus on developing new satellite technologies and constellations is likely to attract significant investment and attention from research institutions and industry players. Furthermore, the IRIS² project's emphasis on providing high-speed internet connectivity for underserved communities highlights the growing importance of satellite technology in addressing global challenges, such as poverty and inequality.

The IRIS² project is part of a broader trend in the satellite industry, with several new satellite constellations being launched in recent years. The OneWeb constellation, for example, is expected to consist of 648 satellites and provide high-speed internet connectivity to remote and underserved communities. The Amazon's Kuiper Systems constellation is also expected to consist of 3,236 satellites and provide high-speed internet connectivity to remote and underserved communities.