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

The EU moves its sovereign satellite communications project IRIS² into implementation: 330 LEO and 18 MEO satellites, launches by 2029. Airbus, Aerospacelab, Thales Alenia Space and OHB build the core constellation, Eutelsat leads LEO, SES leads MEO, Hispasat handles the ground segment.

• 348 satellites: 330 in LEO and 18 in MEO, launches by 2029
• Airbus builds 66 Layer One satellites, Aerospacelab 264 Layer Two
• ESA signed 18 low-LEO contracts worth €20M with 80 companies
• Launches planned on European rockets, likely Ariane 6