The European Union has launched Iris2, a €10 billion (£8.3 billion) space program aimed at creating a constellation of 290 satellites to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink network. Described as a “significant step towards Europe’s sovereignty and secure connectivity,” Iris2 will feature advanced technological capabilities, forming a "mega constellation" comparable to Starlink.
The program will support defense, government, and commercial communications across Europe, while addressing challenges posed by cybersecurity threats and the global dependency on private satellite providers.
The UK, once a participant in the EU’s Galileo space program, is not part of Iris2. Following Brexit, the UK government chose to pursue its own satellite initiatives, launching the Tyche military satellite earlier this year and announcing plans for Juno, an Earth-imaging satellite set for a 2027 launch.
Despite shared interests in defense and security, the UK has not expressed interest in joining Iris2. Under EU rules, third countries like the UK can participate in Iris2 by securing commercial agreements with operators such as Eutelsat, SES, or Hispasat or by contributing funding to become a full member.
A senior EU official confirmed, “At this stage we have not received any sign or manifestation of interest from our UK partners.”
Iris2 is the EU’s third major satellite initiative, following Galileo, which focuses on navigation, and Copernicus, a satellite network for Earth observation. The new program addresses growing challenges, including alleged cyberattacks on European countries and the long-term impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Iris2 constellation will include medium and low-Earth orbit satellites, with the first communications services—covering both government and commercial needs—expected by 2030. The program has been designed to enhance Europe’s resilience in communications and reduce dependence on non-European satellite networks.
European space industry leaders, including Airbus Defence and Space, Deutsche Telekom, Thales Alenia Space, and Telespazio, will spearhead the Iris2 program.
