Europe increases size and cost of IRIS2 constellation
Posted: Sun, Aug 9, 2026, 10:41 AM ET (1441 GMT)
The European Commission has finalized an agreement with an industrial consortium for the IRIS2 constellation, increasing its size and cost. The commission announced Friday it completed negotiations with the SpaceRISE consortium on the constellation, allowing development of the system to proceed. The agreement adds 66 satellites to the system's high-LEO shell, bringing it to 330 satellites, along with 18 medium Earth orbit satellites. Launches of IRIS2 satellites are scheduled to begin in 2029. The commission did not disclose the revised cost of the system but Hispsat, one of the members of SpaceRISE, said the constellation now costs 15.6 billion euros ($18 billion), a nearly 50% increase from earlier estimates. The European Commission and ESA, along with their member states, will provide 11.6 billion euros with SpaceRISE contributing the remainder.
The European Commission has finalized an agreement with an industrial consortium for the IRIS2 constellation, increasing its size and cost. The commission announced Friday it completed negotiations with the SpaceRISE consortium on the constellation, allowing development of the system to proceed. The agreement adds 66 satellites to the system's high-LEO shell, bringing it to 330 satellites, along with 18 medium Earth orbit satellites. Launches of IRIS2 satellites are scheduled to begin in 2029. The commission did not disclose the revised cost of the system but Hispsat, one of the members of SpaceRISE, said the constellation now costs 15.6 billion euros ($18 billion), a nearly 50% increase from earlier estimates. The European Commission and ESA, along with their member states, will provide 11.6 billion euros with SpaceRISE contributing the remainder.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Sunday, September 20
GMV leads ARGUS to enhance Europe’s spectrum and space domain awareness capabilities
GMV — 11:57 am ET (1557 GMT) Hines and KEY Group Break Ground on Space Coast Innovation Park In Titusville
Hines — 11:56 am ET (1556 GMT) Alén Space strengthens its role in the Low-LEO layer of IRIS² programme through three strategic projects
Alen Space — 11:55 am ET (1555 GMT) STScI Scientists Part of Collaboration Receiving 2027 Berkeley Prize
STScI — 11:55 am ET (1555 GMT) Kinéis selected by ESA to prepare the future of maritime and aeronautical surveillance from space
Kineis — 11:49 am ET (1549 GMT) |
