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IRIS² | Secure Connectivity

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IRIS²: the new EU Secure Satellite Constellation

Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite

IRIS² at a glance

The IRIS² Satellite Constellation is the European Union’s third flagship, addressing   long-term challenges of EU’s security, safety and resilience by offering enhanced connectivity services to governmental users. 

The new multi-orbital constellation of 290 satellites will combine the benefits offered by Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth (LEO) satellites. It is set to provide secure connectivity services to the EU and its Member States as well as broadband connectivity for governmental authorities, private companies and European citizens, while ensuring high-speed internet broadband to cope with connectivity dead zones. 

How it works?

IRIS² is a planned constellation composed of about 290 satellites, launched in both Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) to reap the benefits of both.    

IRIS² will improve connectivity for government, business, and individual users, each with their own needs and requirements.    

  • Government
    IRIS² will support border and maritime surveillance, crisis management, protection of key infrastructure, and security and defence.
  • Businesses
    IRIS² will support commercial applications in transportation, smart energy, grid management, banking, oversea industrial activities, remote healthcare, rural connectivity and reindorced networks by satellite.
  • Individuals
    The system will have mass-market applications for mobile and fixed satellite broadband, access cloud-based services, and provide high-speed internet connectivity, especially in “digital dead zones” which can be impacted by poor access and low speeds.

Use cases

  • Secure government communications
    Enable encrypted communication links between EU institutions, ministries, and security agencies across Europe and abroad.
  • Military and defence operations
    Provide secure, resilient connectivity for deployed forces, command centres, and intelligence-sharing in areas with limited terrestrial networks.
  • Disaster response and crisis management
    Ensure uninterrupted communication for emergency responders during natural disasters, floods, fires, or network outages.
  • Critical infrastructure protection
    Support secure data links for energy grids, transport networks, and financial systems to prevent cyber or physical attacks.
  • Connectivity in remote regions
    Offer high-reliability internet and communication services to remote or underserved areas, including maritime and Arctic regions.