SpaceRISE (IRIS2)

Multi-orbital constellation of 290 satellites will combine the benefits offered by MEO and LEO satellites.

• Included in the database because it is partially commercial. (public-private partnership) and companies will invest their own funding. About 60% of funding will come from the EU.
• Apparently the only acceptable bid for Europe's proposed megaconstellation is a consortium of Airbus Defense and Space, Eutelsat, Hispasat, SES and Thales Alenia Space, backed by Deutsche Telekom, OHB SE, Orange, Hisdesat, Telespazio and Thales Group. Won't be cheap!
• European Commission agreement to pay ESA 380 million euros ($398 million) over 12 years to oversee Iris2’s government-services mission.
• Europe signs contracts for IRIS² constellation, SpaceNews, 2024-12-16.

European Commission (EC), in close cooperation with European Space Agency (ESA), has put forward IRIS², Europe’s space-based Secure Connectivity system.

The SpaceRISE consortium of SES, Eutelsat and Hispasat is supported by a Core Team of European subcontractors from the satcom ecosystem. Key partners include Thales Alenia Space, OHB, Airbus Defence and Space, Telespazio, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Hisdesat, and Thales Six.

The IRIS² programme will be implemented through a public private partnership (PPP). Funded by a combination of the EC, ESA and private financing from the three satellite operators within the SpaceRISE consortium. This model unites public and commercial interests in an unprecedented way, paving the way for continuous innovative solutions and platforms for the future.

Designed, delivered and operated by SpaceRISE, the system is expected to start providing service as of beginning of 2030.