EU to build Communication Satellite Constellation IRIS2

[XRZ.YZ]

https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/11/17/council-and-european-parliament-agree-on-boosting-secure-communications-with-a-new-satellite-system/

The Council and the European Parliament today reached a provisional agreement on a regulation establishing the EU's secure connectivity programme for the period 2023-2027.

Martin Kupka, Czech minister for transport
Safe and reliable communication is a cornerstone of the EU's strategic autonomy. The secure connectivity programme will build a multi-orbital constellation of hundreds of satellites, which will cover the EU's need for secure communication services and will underpin our position as one of the main players in space. More importantly, it will bring many benefits to citizens and their daily lives.

Martin Kupka, Czech minister for transport
Providing secure communication services to member states…
The programme sets goals for the European Union to deploy an EU satellite constellation called 'IRIS2' (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite), which will enable secure communication services by 2027.

Cyberattacks and natural disasters can lead to the breakdown of terrestrial communication networks. The establishment of this constellation will provide for a better connected critical infrastructure and high-speed and resilient independent satellite communication services.

The programme will provide governmental services covering critical infrastructure protection, situational awareness, and support for external actions and crisis management. All of these services will improve the EU's resilience.

...and facilitating broadband access for all users
The programme is not aimed merely at benefiting government bodies and EU institutions, but also enables the provision of commercial services by the private sector, thereby contributing to the competitiveness of European industry.

The programme is linked to the Commission's proposal on the EU's Global Gateway Strategy. It will enable the provision of affordable internet access everywhere in Europe and will provide secure connectivity over geographical areas of strategic interest, such as the Arctic region and Africa.

EU strategic autonomy
The programme is particularly important with regard to low Earth orbits which are increasingly occupied by third-country mega-constellations, with EU operators facing challenges due to the capital-intensive nature of such projects. The secure connectivity programme is therefore important as a means of increasing the EU’s resilience and its strategic autonomy in space and on the ground.

The initiative will benefit from the expertise of the European industrial space industry, both from the well-established industrial players and the New Space ecosystem. The programme builds on the GOVSATCOM component of the EU space programme. It will take into account synergies with the other components of the EU space programme, such as the Galileo (satellite navigation) and Copernicus (Earth observation) systems, as well as space situational awareness capacities.

Implementation
The Commission will be the owner of tangible and intangible assets relating to the governmental infrastructure developed under this programme. The financing of the secure connectivity programme will come from the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027. The programme deploys a total amount of €2.4 billion, part of which will be earmarked from programmes such as the EU space programme, Horizon Europe and the Neighbourhood Development and International Cooperation Instrument - Global Europe (NDICI). The programme will be implemented in cooperation with the European Space Agency and the European space industry.

The infrastructure will be procured by the Commission through a public-private partnership via competitively awarded contracts to industry. Selected contractors will develop, validate, build and deploy the EU-owned governmental infrastructure to provide strengthened governmental services. In addition, commercial infrastructure would also be used to provide governmental services as well as commercial services.

Next steps
The provisional agreement reached today is subject to approval by the Council and the European Parliament.

From the Council’s side, the provisional political agreement is subject to approval by member states representatives (in 'Coreper') before going through the formal steps of the adoption procedure.

[XRZ.YZ]

https://twitter.com/ThierryBreton/status/1593312262139379719

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/welcome-iris-europes-new-infrastructure-resilience-security-breton/?published=t

This is historic! After Galileo and Copernicus, we are adding a third constellation to our European portfolio of strategic space infrastructures.

Welcome to IRIS², Europe's new Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnection & Security by Satellites. 

Europe as a space power
Yes, we have just reached agreement with the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament on the legal text establishing this new critical infrastructure for the EU.

With an EU budget of €2.4 billion (plus a contribution from ESA and private investments to come), IRIS² establishes space as a vector of our European autonomy, a vector of connectivity and a vector of resilience.

It heightens Europe’s role as a true space power. With a clear ambition and sense of direction.

An increasingly contested geostrategic environment
The efforts and energy made at European level to move this initiative forward at record speed also reflect, in my view, the importance of IRIS² in an increasingly contested geostrategic environment. 

Space is indeed a much coveted area in which the European Union must guarantee its essential interests. And our space technologies have become strategic capabilities for our citizens, for the resilience of our economies and of course for our armies.

Following today's agreement in trilogue (Commission, Council, Parliament), we will start work as of tomorrow to roll out the implementation of this important project.

Here too I want to move quickly, in line with what the co-legislators’ speed and determination in the negotiation, because we cannot wait any longer.

The framework defined today is very clear:

-        IRIS² will be a sovereign constellation, which imposes strict eligibility criteria and security requirements.

-        IRIS² will be a constellation focused on government services, including defence applications. 

-        IRIS² will provide connectivity to the whole of Europe, including areas that do not currently benefit from broadband Internet, as well as to the whole of Africa, using the constellation's North-South orbits.

-        IRIS² will be a "new space" constellation the European way, integrating the know-how of the major European space industries - but also the dynamism of our start-ups, who will build 30% of the infrastructure. 

-        IRIS² will be a constellation at the cutting edge of technology, to give Europe a lead, for example in quantum encryption. It will therefore be a vector of innovation. 

-        IRIS² will be a multi-orbit constellation, capable of creating synergies with our existing Galileo and Copernicus constellations. The objective here is to reduce the risk of space congestion.

I would like to thank the European Parliament and the Council for their support in creating Europe’s third pillar in space. After satellite positioning and earth observation, we now have a secure European connectivity infrastructure.

Inspired by Iris, goddess of Greek mythology, messenger of the gods to humans…

Iris² will bring secure European connectivity to all!

[XRZ.YZ]

https://1001rss.com/prends-garde-starlink-voici-iris2-la-future-constellation-de-connectivite-europeenne_835861/2022/11/17/

L’UE vient de donner le coup d’envoi officiel du projet de constellation de satellites de connectivité européen, baptisé Iris2. Gros plan sur un programme à 6 milliards d’euros, destiné à servir à la fois les armées et le grand public.

Seems total investment is about €6B. 40% comes from EU, rest comes from ESA and private investors

[XRZ.YZ]

https://spacenews.com/europe-reaches-funding-deal-for-sovereign-broadband-constellation/

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/eu-secures-deal-satellite-internet-system-2022-11-17/

Initial development and satellite deployment could start next year, leading to a full services with high-level encription called quantum scamgraphy in 2028.

The proposed satellite internet system could lead to the construction and launch of up to 170 low orbit satellites between 2025 and 2027.

[Kiwi53]

Initial development and satellite deployment could start next year, leading to a full services with high-level encryption called quantum scamgraphy in 2028.

The proposed satellite internet system could lead to the construction and launch of up to 170 low orbit satellites between 2025 and 2027.

With "only" 170 satellites, they would need to be in a higher orbit than OneWeb, let alone Starlink and Kuiper, to have enough satellites in view of a ground station at any time to provide reliable communications.
1,500 - 2,000 km?

[Asteroza]

Initial development and satellite deployment could start next year, leading to a full services with high-level encryption called quantum scamgraphy in 2028.

The proposed satellite internet system could lead to the construction and launch of up to 170 low orbit satellites between 2025 and 2027.

With "only" 170 satellites, they would need to be in a higher orbit than OneWeb, let alone Starlink and Kuiper, to have enough satellites in view of a ground station at any time to provide reliable communications.
1,500 - 2,000 km?

I think they can cheat a bit since they don't need to cover the whole world, just the mentioned european and african airspaces. I wonder what kind of orbit though. QZSS/Molnyia/Tundra orbits tend to be pretty far away during their long dwell period, but everybody wants a low orbit (or at least a low perigee) for ease of communications.

[su27k]

Previous thread on this: https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=52600.0

[Ronsmytheiii]

https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/1618988124927037440

[su27k]

Europe approves multi-orbit connectivity constellation plan

Europe’s ambitions for a sovereign connectivity constellation are now in the hands of industry, the European Parliament said Feb. 14 after voting to approve the 6 billion euro ($6.4 billion) plan.

A plenary session to adopt regulation needed to develop IRIS², or Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite, received 603 votes in favor and just six against. There were 39 abstentions.

The Council of the European Union “will be adopting the text soon,” the European Parliament said in a news release, clearing the way for manufacturers to submit bids to build, launch, and deploy the multi-orbit network by 2027.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1676405519609626624

This would be a huge blow for Europe's low-Earth orbit broadband network (IRIS2) even before it starts to get going.

twitter.com/megaconstellati/status/1676164785870712832

🇩🇪German cabinet agrees on 2024 budget, cuts spending on space killing German space industry:
- National space programme €371m ↘️ €313M
- contribution to @esa for IRIS² €189m ↘️ €70M
- @DLR_SpaceAgency reserach budget -€400M
source: linkedin.com/feed/update/ur…
H/T: @Wachter__M

[TheKutKu]

https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/iris2-european-commission-awards-concession-contract-spacerise-consortium-2024-10-31_en

IRIS² - the European Commission awards the concession contract to SpaceRISE consortium

Following the completion of the evaluation of the optimised best-and-final offer (OBAFO) received on 3 September, the Commission awarded today to the SpaceRISE consortium the concession contract to develop, deploy and operate the Union’s secure connectivity satellite system: IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite)

. The procurement is now entering its final phase towards the signature of the concession agreement scheduled by December 2024, upon which the legal and financial commitment from both parties will be taken.

The SpaceRISE consortium is composed of three European satellite network operators: SES SA, Eutelsat SA, and Hispasat S.A. The consortium relies on a Core Team of European subcontractors from all segments of the satcom ecosystem for the delivery of the scope of the concession contract: Thales Alenia Space, OHB, Airbus Defence and Space, Telespazio, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Hisdesat and Thales SIX.

SpaceRISE offer includes appropriate mechanism to ensure competitive subcontracting in the selection of its Supply Chain, in particular for SMEs, and stimulate innovation by promoting new entrants’ participation.

The 12-year concession contract consists in a public-private partnership to acquire a system composed of over 290 satellites on various orbits and the associated ground segment to provide governmental services by 2030 while enabling commercial services.

The concession contract will be funded by public (European Union and ESA) and private investments (the SpaceRISE consortium). Regarding the European Union’s contribution, as the duration of the concession contract spans across multiple financial perspectives, the European Commission will first proceed with a budgetary commitment for the current multiannual financial framework. Additional amounts may be awarded after 31 December 2027, subject inter alia to the adoption of a successor programme by the European Parliament and Council, and the availability of the corresponding appropriations.

[friendly3]

https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/iris2-european-commission-awards-concession-contract-spacerise-consortium-2024-10-31_en

IRIS² - the European Commission awards the concession contract to SpaceRISE consortium

Following the completion of the evaluation of the optimised best-and-final offer (OBAFO) received on 3 September, the Commission awarded today to the SpaceRISE consortium the concession contract to develop, deploy and operate the Union’s secure connectivity satellite system: IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite)

. The procurement is now entering its final phase towards the signature of the concession agreement scheduled by December 2024, upon which the legal and financial commitment from both parties will be taken.

The SpaceRISE consortium is composed of three European satellite network operators: SES SA, Eutelsat SA, and Hispasat S.A. The consortium relies on a Core Team of European subcontractors from all segments of the satcom ecosystem for the delivery of the scope of the concession contract: Thales Alenia Space, OHB, Airbus Defence and Space, Telespazio, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Hisdesat and Thales SIX.

SpaceRISE offer includes appropriate mechanism to ensure competitive subcontracting in the selection of its Supply Chain, in particular for SMEs, and stimulate innovation by promoting new entrants’ participation.

The 12-year concession contract consists in a public-private partnership to acquire a system composed of over 290 satellites on various orbits and the associated ground segment to provide governmental services by 2030 while enabling commercial services.

The concession contract will be funded by public (European Union and ESA) and private investments (the SpaceRISE consortium). Regarding the European Union’s contribution, as the duration of the concession contract spans across multiple financial perspectives, the European Commission will first proceed with a budgetary commitment for the current multiannual financial framework. Additional amounts may be awarded after 31 December 2027, subject inter alia to the adoption of a successor programme by the European Parliament and Council, and the availability of the corresponding appropriations.

Eutelsat already owns OneWeb. What is the purpose of this IRIS² constellation, other than to needlessly spend European taxpayer money?

[TheKutKu]

https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/iris2-european-commission-awards-concession-contract-spacerise-consortium-2024-10-31_en

IRIS² - the European Commission awards the concession contract to SpaceRISE consortium

Following the completion of the evaluation of the optimised best-and-final offer (OBAFO) received on 3 September, the Commission awarded today to the SpaceRISE consortium the concession contract to develop, deploy and operate the Union’s secure connectivity satellite system: IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite)

. The procurement is now entering its final phase towards the signature of the concession agreement scheduled by December 2024, upon which the legal and financial commitment from both parties will be taken.

The SpaceRISE consortium is composed of three European satellite network operators: SES SA, Eutelsat SA, and Hispasat S.A. The consortium relies on a Core Team of European subcontractors from all segments of the satcom ecosystem for the delivery of the scope of the concession contract: Thales Alenia Space, OHB, Airbus Defence and Space, Telespazio, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Hisdesat and Thales SIX.

SpaceRISE offer includes appropriate mechanism to ensure competitive subcontracting in the selection of its Supply Chain, in particular for SMEs, and stimulate innovation by promoting new entrants’ participation.

The 12-year concession contract consists in a public-private partnership to acquire a system composed of over 290 satellites on various orbits and the associated ground segment to provide governmental services by 2030 while enabling commercial services.

The concession contract will be funded by public (European Union and ESA) and private investments (the SpaceRISE consortium). Regarding the European Union’s contribution, as the duration of the concession contract spans across multiple financial perspectives, the European Commission will first proceed with a budgetary commitment for the current multiannual financial framework. Additional amounts may be awarded after 31 December 2027, subject inter alia to the adoption of a successor programme by the European Parliament and Council, and the availability of the corresponding appropriations.

Eutelsat already owns OneWeb. What is the purpose of this IRIS² constellation, other than to needlessly spend European taxpayer money?

Oneweb are assembled in America.
Maybe this directly goes against the stated goal of a "sovereign constellation"
Or maybe this doesn't create enough jobs or foster skills and industry in Europe.

Making an Europe-assembled derivative of Oneweb may not have been a bad idea however...

[friendly3]

Oneweb are assembled in America.
Maybe this directly goes against the stated goal of a "sovereign constellation"
Or maybe this doesn't create enough jobs or foster skills and industry in Europe.
Making an Europe-assembled derivative of Oneweb may not have been a bad idea however...

No OneWeb satellites are assembled in America, they're currently all in orbit. And new ones could easily be assembled somewhere in Europe.
This idea of a "sovereign constellation" is a joke, or maybe I should say a gigantic scam. Let me remind you that it's just a "new" method of connecting to the internet, nothing more. Europe is well served in this regard and has no real need for such a satellite constellation, this fantasy appeared suddenly around the same time as Starlink.
It feels like they're trying to make us believe that Elon could cut off Europe's internet access! And, as I mentioned, Eutelsat owns OneWeb, so Europe already effectively has its own "sovereign constellation" if needed.
The EU should try to spend our money on something useful for once.

[Steven Pietrobon]

We're talking about internet users who don't have normal access, like those people in remote regions and isolated islands. Australia is already worried that Starlink can have a political influence on those regions and islands (particularly in the Pacific) by threatening to cutoff their internet access. Having a non-US and non-Chinese alternative would help to allay some of those fears.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1852199854912454758

“The consortium relies on a Core Team of European subcontractors from all segments of the satcom ecosystem for the delivery of the scope of the concession contract: Thales Alenia Space, OHB, Airbus Defence and Space, Telespazio, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Hisdesat and Thales SIX.”

That’s a lot of companies 😂

[JayWee]

Yeah, what do you expect from Thierry Breton

[gosnold]

This idea of a "sovereign constellation" is a joke, or maybe I should say a gigantic scam. Let me remind you that it's just a "new" method of connecting to the internet, nothing more. Europe is well served in this regard and has no real need for such a satellite constellation, this fantasy appeared suddenly around the same time as Starlink.

That's just utter bollocks. The internet part of it is just for the PPP, the sovereign part means connecting governmental networks, including military ones, with something more resilient than a handful of big satellites in GEO.

[DanClemmensen]

[...] maybe I should say a gigantic scam. Let me remind you that it's just a "new" method of connecting to the internet, nothing more. Europe is well served in this regard and has no real need for such a satellite constellation

One of the biggest ongoing government comms problems is communicating with embassies all over the world. You need a global network of some sort for this. This has been true since long before the Internet. The US State Department ran an unbelievabley complex nightmare of a comms system in the 1970's using all sorts of strange gear. A fully independent satellite constellation would be a major asset for this alone.

[TheKutKu]

Oneweb are assembled in America.
Maybe this directly goes against the stated goal of a "sovereign constellation"
Or maybe this doesn't create enough jobs or foster skills and industry in Europe.
Making an Europe-assembled derivative of Oneweb may not have been a bad idea however...

No OneWeb satellites are assembled in America, they're currently all in orbit. And new ones could easily be assembled somewhere in Europe.
This idea of a "sovereign constellation" is a joke, or maybe I should say a gigantic scam. Let me remind you that it's just a "new" method of connecting to the internet, nothing more. Europe is well served in this regard and has no real need for such a satellite constellation, this fantasy appeared suddenly around the same time as Starlink.
It feels like they're trying to make us believe that Elon could cut off Europe's internet access! And, as I mentioned, Eutelsat owns OneWeb, so Europe already effectively has its own "sovereign constellation" if needed.
The EU should try to spend our money on something useful for once.

-Oneweb Gen 1 were assembled in the Airbus D&S facility in Florida, and it's a recent thing, I don't think they are still producing spares anymore but they were definitely supporting the spares until a few months ago when the last batch left for the launch campaign.

-And they do plan expansion of this facility, perhaps for the Gen 2 OneWeb, but more importantly for near term small satellites for the US  Government and Military market (see Arrow satellites, recent Airbus selection for Space Force HALO)

-EUSPA probably has specific requirement for security, reliabilty.. that would have made retrofitting them on Gen 1 OneWeb hard if not impossible.

-Eutelsat owns OneWeb legally yes, but as long as there are facilities and skill in a country that the EU can't pressure (the USA), then that ownership hardly makes it compatible with a sovereign constellation, because at the end of the day they're American-built satellites, not EU-built.

I think you can see why assembling your "sovereign constellation" in a foreign country, in a facility that makes military satellites for that country, next to a miliary base of that country, is not ideal.

Either way Airbus has sent mixed signals, they were saying they were awaiting for EU decisions on IRIS² in relation to the future Florida factory (that they now fully own), but at the same time didn't want to invest much of their own funding in Iris².

It seems to me that they weren't particularly interested in investing their own capital in a European assembly plant.