The European Union is pursuing plans to create a suite of internet satellites to rival Starlink, owned by Elon Musk. A 10.6 billion Euro agreement is being signed The agreement worth $11.1 billion envisages launching approximately 300 satellites into low and medium Earth orbits by 2030. The bloc wants space technology to increase digital sovereignty by providing governments with secure communications.

First announced in 2022 Iris² (Resilience, Interconnection and Security Infrastructure with Satellite) is a public-private partnership whose initial cost estimate (€6 billion) jumped by 76% after a difficult negotiation process. Ultimately, 61% of the program will be covered by the public budget; An industry consortium called SpaceRise, elected in Octobermakes the difference. This grouping also includes the French satellite giant EutelsatWhich Merged with European rival OneWeb In 2022.

Musk's Starlink, meanwhile, already has about 6,000 satellites in orbit. recently surpassed 4 million subscribersand have important agreements with similar Royal Caribbean And United Airlines. It is also preparing for a launch Direct-to-phone service with T-Mobile.