EU Unveils €10bn Space Program to Compete with Musk's Starlink

EU Unveils €10bn Space Program to Compete with Musk's Starlink.

The UK is not part of the Iris2 project described as ‘a significant step towards Europe’s sovereignty and secure connectivity’

The European Union has initiated a substantial €10 billion (£8.3 billion) space initiative featuring a network of 290 satellites designed to compete with Elon Musk's Starlink, thereby exacerbating the security divide with the United Kingdom following Brexit.

This satellite constellation aims to bolster the security of the bloc's governments and military forces in light of rising global cybersecurity threats.

Officials indicated that the United Kingdom did not express any interest in participating in the Iris2 project, which is set to provide subleased communication capabilities for commercial purposes as an alternative to Musk's Starlink service.

“It is a significant step towards Europe’s sovereignty and secure connectivity,” an EU statement said.

Technological advancements indicate that a network comprising both high- and low-powered satellites will yield the equivalent of 1,000 satellites within a "mega constellation" akin to Starlink.

Europe has been supported by a mix of state-licensed satellite networks that extend coverage from Ireland to Eastern Europe. These networks facilitate television and internet services, as well as functions related to defense, weather monitoring, and border surveillance.

Prior to Brexit, the United Kingdom participated in an EU space program, which would have allowed British armed forces access to the Galileo satellite network starting next year.

Nevertheless, the UK government opted to withdraw from the program and determined during Brexit negotiations that it would be more beneficial for the UK to establish a competitor to Galileo, which would involve the deployment of two satellites.

The UK network features Tyche, an Earth-imaging military satellite that was launched in August. Recently, the government announced plans to launch a new satellite, Juno, in 2027, aimed at "capturing daytime images of the Earth’s surface" and thereby "enhancing the UK’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance" capabilities.

In response to an inquiry regarding the UK's potential involvement in the Iris2 programme, particularly in light of its shared interests in defense and security and Keir Starmer's commitment to rejuvenating relations with the EU, a senior official indicated that no such request had been made.

“At this stage we have not received any sign or manifestation of interest from our UK partners,” they added.

A third country may engage in participation under EU regulations by establishing a commercial agreement for surveillance or cybersecurity services with any of the three satellite operators. These operators include Eutelsat, which encompasses a European-wide network of former telecommunications satellites; SES, the Luxembourg-based satellite network that provides Sky TV and other television services to the UK; and Hispasat, the Spanish satellite operator.

Additionally, third countries have the option to become “full members” of the program by contributing financial resources.

Following Galileo and Copernicus, Iris2 represents the EU's third major satellite initiative aimed at tackling long-term challenges, which have been exacerbated in the past three years due to Russia's extensive invasion of Ukraine and reported cyberattacks across various European nations.

The initiative will feature two categories of satellites functioning in medium Earth orbit and low Earth orbit.

Over the course of the 12-year program, the initial communications, encompassing both governmental and commercial aspects, are anticipated to commence in 2030.

Prominent companies participating in the program include leading European space industry entities, excluding those from the UK, such as Airbus Defence and Space, Deutsche Telekom, Thales Alenia Space from France, and Telespazio from Italy.

The EU’s €10 billion Iris2 space program marks a major leap toward strengthening Europe’s digital sovereignty and enhancing security. By deploying a network of 290 satellites, the initiative aims to provide reliable communication services for both government and commercial use, positioning Europe as a key player in the global space race.

With advancements in satellite technology and the involvement of leading European companies, Iris2 promises to foster innovation, enhance cybersecurity, and support military and defense capabilities. Though the UK is not participating, the project underscores Europe’s commitment to secure connectivity, sovereignty, and long-term strategic autonomy in space.

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