OFICIAL European Space Agency

IRIS² reinforced and accelerated as implementation advances

What happened
Based on European Space Agency · Aug 07, 2026

The European Commission and SpaceRISE consortium finalized an agreement to expand IRIS², the EU’s secure satellite constellation, adding 66 satellites to its planned 348-satellite network. The deal accelerates deployment with first launches targeted for 2029, aiming to enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy and secure connectivity for governments and emergency services.

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Key points
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On 7 August, the European Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium concluded negotiations and signed an implementation agreement to roll out IRIS², the European Union’s new flagship satellite constellation.
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The agreement, among other things, adds 66 satellites into low Earth orbit to the programme, bringing the main constellation to 348 satellites, and moving it from planning to full-scale deployment with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA).
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ESA plays a key role in the IRIS² technical implementation, overseeing the constellation’s development, qualification and in-orbit validation, and translating the programme’s ambitions into industrial delivery.
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In cooperation with the European Commission and SpaceRISE, ESA will ensure the successful delivery of a secure and resilient connectivity system to further strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy and competitiveness.
Key numbers
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This reinforcement will increase secure governmental capacity by 60% within the EU and 54% globally, supporting critical missions during crises.

On 7 August, the European Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium signed an implementation agreement to expand IRIS², the EU’s secure satellite constellation, adding 66 satellites to its planned 348-satellite network. The agreement, supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), moves the programme from planning to full-scale deployment, with ESA overseeing technical development and industrial delivery. The deal confirms key parameters, including design, capacity, deployment schedule, and investment, while committing European manufacturers to deliver the additional satellites with enhanced resilience.

Concrete steps are now in place to achieve first launches by 2029, with the constellation designed to provide sovereign, secure, and highly reliable connectivity for European governments, defence, security forces, and emergency services. The expanded network will include 330 satellites in low Earth orbit and 18 in medium Earth orbit, with an additional 66 high-low Earth orbit satellites to strengthen defence and security capabilities. This reinforcement will increase secure governmental capacity by 60% within the EU and 54% globally, supporting critical missions during crises.

IRIS² will be built through a public-private partnership involving the European Commission, EU Member States, ESA, and European industry, including major companies like Airbus Defence and Space, Thales Alenia Space, OHB, and Aerospacelab. The programme also aims to generate opportunities for start-ups, SMEs, and mid-caps developing innovative space technologies. Funding will come from a combination of EU budget resources for 2028–2034 and additional investments from EU Member States, with Poland, Hungary, and Spain already committing significant national funds.

The Commission sent an official letter to the European Parliament and EU Member States outlining the outcome of negotiations and the implementation phase. Under the leadership of the Commission and ESA’s technical expertise, the SpaceRISE consortium will accelerate programme development, including satellite manufacturing, launch services procurement, and secure ground infrastructure development. The constellation is intended to ensure Europe’s connectivity independence, providing reliable connectivity for governments, emergency services, and citizens, even in remote areas or during crises.

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