Current Context : European Union recently launched Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite (IRIS²), as its third major space project.

Follows Galileo (satellite navigation system) and Copernicus (Earth observation program).

Objective:

• Provide secure communication and high-speed broadband in remote and underserved areas.
• Support government applications like border surveillance and crisis management.

Satellite Constellation:

• Comprises 290 satellites in low and medium Earth orbits.
• Full deployment expected by 2030.

Developing Partners:

• Supported by the European Space Agency (ESA)and SpaceRISE consortium (Eutelsat, Hispasat, SES).