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Technology

Europe’s Starlink Competitor Finally Takes Off

Horizonstocks

The European Union (EU) has signed a deal worth €10.6 billion ($11 billion) for its IRIS² constellation, which will comprise 290 communication satellites operating in both medium and low Earth orbit. This ambitious project aims to provide secure connectivity to governmental users, private companies, and European citizens, bridging the gap of high-speed internet access in remote areas.

A Starlink Rival: Secure Connectivity and High-Speed Internet

The IRIS² constellation is a public-private partnership between the EU and SpaceRISE, a consortium led by satellite network operators SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat. The project’s primary objective is to ensure secure connectivity in Europe, leveraging the strengths of satellite-based communication systems. With 290 satellites spread across different orbits, IRIS² will enable rapid and secure communication between governmental institutions, private companies, and individuals.

Key Features of the IRIS² Constellation

  • Secure Connectivity: The constellation is designed to provide secure communication links for governmental users and private companies.
  • High-Speed Internet: IRIS² aims to bridge the digital divide by bringing high-speed internet access to remote areas in Europe.
  • Interconnected Satellites: The use of interlinked satellites placed in different orbits allows for quick and secure communication, eliminating the need for a vast number of satellites.

Comparison with SpaceX’s Starlink

SpaceX has already launched over 7,000 low Earth orbit satellites since 2018 to ensure global coverage and low latencies for its Starlink service. In contrast, the IRIS² constellation will consist of 264 spacecraft in low Earth orbit and 18 in medium Earth orbit.

Benefits of Public-Private Partnership

The EU’s decision to partner with SpaceRISE consortium reflects a commitment to public-private collaboration, which is essential for driving innovation and delivering tangible benefits to European citizens. By leveraging the expertise of satellite network operators and satcom subcontractors like Airbus and Deutsche Telekom, the EU can ensure that the IRIS² constellation meets its ambitious goals.

Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen’s Statement

"This cutting-edge constellation will protect our critical infrastructures, connect our most remote areas and increase Europe’s strategic autonomy. By partnering with the SpaceRISE consortium, we are demonstrating the power of public-private collaboration to drive innovation and deliver tangible benefits to all Europeans."

FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel’s Call for Competition

In September 2023, FCC chair Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the importance of competition in the communications market. She expressed her desire to see more competitors to Elon Musk’s Starlink, stating that "every communications market that has competition is strong, we see lower prices and more innovation, and honestly, space should be no exception."

Update: Numbers of Satellites in the Constellation

According to recent updates, the IRIS² constellation will comprise 264 spacecraft in low Earth orbit and 18 in medium Earth orbit. This comprehensive network of satellites is designed to provide secure connectivity, high-speed internet access, and strategic autonomy for European institutions.

Conclusion

The EU’s signing of the deal for its IRIS² constellation marks a significant milestone in the development of satellite-based communication systems. By providing secure connectivity, bridging digital divides, and increasing Europe’s strategic autonomy, IRIS² will play a vital role in shaping the future of European telecommunications.