A group of European telco and space giants has been assembled to bid for a proposed satellite network that could potentially rival SpaceX's Starlink system. 

Space.com reports that a consortium consisting of Airbus Defense and Space, Eutelsat, SES, and Thales Alenia Space has responded to the European Commission's appeal for creating a future satellite network for Europe called the Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite (IRIS²) constellation.

What We Know About IRIS²

The name of this new constellation is inspired by the Greek mythological character, who acted as an intermediary between gods and humans. 

IRIS² is a project that aims to provide the European Union with internet connectivity from low-Earth orbit, much like SpaceX's Starlink network. 

As first reported by Ars Technica, the estimated cost for this project is $6.6 billion, with the EU contributing $2.64 billion. At the same time, the rest of the funding will come from the European Space Agency and private investment.

The European Commission has already revealed its plans to launch the proposed constellation, which is expected to be fully operational by 2027. 

The launch of this revolutionary constellation is aimed at expanding internet connectivity across Europe, reaching even the most remote areas that currently lack broadband access.

Additionally, the IRIS² project has plans to enhance connectivity in Africa through the use of the North-South orbits of its satellites.

Establishing a Europe as True Space Power

In a statement released in November 2022, Commissioner Thierry Breton claims that "IRIS² establishes space as a vector of our European autonomy, a vector of connectivity and a vector of resilience."

The official adds, "It heightens Europe's role as a true space power. With a clear ambition and sense of direction."

The major communication companies backing the initiative include Deutsche Telekom, Hispasat, OHB, Orange, Hisdesat, and Telespazio. 

They aim to encourage startups in the European space industry to join their coalition, fulfilling the wishes of Thierry Breton, the Commissioner for Internal Market of the European Union, who hopes to expand the European commercial space sector by having startups construct 30% of the IRIS² infrastructure.

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Space.com noted that the IRIS² project would integrate with Europe's current satellite constellations, such as Galileo, the region's global satellite navigation system, and the Copernicus system, consisting of the twin Earth observation satellites Sentinel-1A and Sentinel-1B. Breton believes this coordination between Europe's "three pillars" in space will lower the risk of space congestion.

Catching Up to SpaceX

IRIS² still has a long way to go to catch up with Starlink, which currently dominates the mega constellation space.

At present, Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist and expert tracker of spaceflight activity, tells us that Starlink's constellation includes more than 4,300 spacecraft, with most in operation.

With plans to launch up to 12,000 satellites into low Earth orbit, Starlink already provides internet access to 53 countries.

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