The concession agreement, expected to be signed by December 2024, will solidify the legal and financial commitments from both parties, propelling the project into its active implementation phase. The IRIS² programme is designed as a 12-year public-private partnership, aiming to deploy a constellation of over 290 satellites across various orbits and associated ground infrastructure to deliver both governmental and commercial services by 2030.
SpaceRISE is led by three prominent European satellite network operators—SES SA, Eutelsat SA, and Hispasat S.A.—and supported by a Core Team of subcontractors that spans the European space and communications ecosystem. This team includes notable industry players such as Thales Alenia Space, OHB, Airbus Defence and Space, Telespazio, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Hisdesat, and Thales SIX. This strategic collaboration leverages expertise from all segments of the satellite communications industry to ensure comprehensive and efficient delivery of the contract’s scope.
The European Commission has prioritised fostering competitive subcontracting practices within the consortium’s supply chain, ensuring opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and promoting the involvement of new market entrants. This focus on inclusivity and innovation is seen as essential for stimulating technological advancements and enhancing Europe’s strategic capabilities in satellite communications.
Funding for the IRIS² programme will be drawn from a blend of public contributions from the EU and the European Space Agency (ESA) alongside private investments from the SpaceRISE consortium. The EU’s initial budgetary commitment will cover the current multiannual financial framework, with potential additional funding allocated after 2027, contingent on the adoption of future budget programmes by the European Parliament and Council.
Eva Berneke, Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat, remarked: “The IRIS² programme is a powerful extension of Eutelsat’s commitment to advancing Europe’s digital sovereignty through sustained investment in multi-orbit technology… We are proud to support the EU on this project alongside the consortium partners.” This statement underlines the significance of IRIS² as a critical infrastructure project that aligns with Europe’s digital and strategic ambitions.
Miguel Ángel Panduro, CEO of Hispasat, expressed strong support for the project’s mission: “We are firmly committed to everything that IRIS² represents: a sovereign secure communications system, supported by European innovative developments… This award is an exciting first step of a project that will define the future of satellite communications in Europe.”
Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES, conveyed the consortium’s honour in being selected, highlighting the alignment with SES’s strategic vision: “SpaceRISE, based on the European Union’s requirements, will define and develop a future-proof space network… The IRIS² system is aligned with SES’s multi-orbit network and underscores our commitment to advancing our MEO capabilities.”
The finalisation of the concession agreement will mark the beginning of a transformative era for Europe’s space and communications infrastructure. IRIS² is poised to enhance the EU’s capacity to respond to crises, protect critical assets, and bridge the digital divide, reinforcing Europe’s position as a leader in global satellite technology.
