The European Space Agency (ESA) is set to develop and launch a satellite system for a project called IRIS2, which stands for “the infrastructure of the stability, interconnection, and security of the European Union.” This project, known as IRIS2, was scheduled for 2022 with a funding allocation of €2.4 billion from the European Union.
The main objective of IRIS2 is to provide the European Bloc with secure space communications capabilities, making them independent of the infrastructure of other countries. In July 2023, European Competition Commissioner Margrette Westagger described IRIS2 as an effort to “provide its own secure Internet from space.” The new system aims to offer safe and high-speed connectivity for civilian and defense needs, utilizing innovative technologies like quantum encryption and 5G, in response to the increasing threat of cyber attacks.
ESA recently announced that it has signed a twelve-year agreement with the European Commission to work with cosmic companies on the development and testing of IRIS2. This collaboration enables the EU to employ the expertise and resources of ESA for the successful implementation of the project.
The European Commission initially hoped to launch the first services of IRIS2 in 2024, with full system functionality achieved by 2027. However, meeting these deadlines now appears unlikely due to a major challenge faced by ESA. Currently, ESA does not have a functioning heavy launch vehicle after the retirement of their last Arian 5 rocket in July 2023.
The successor to Arian 5, Ariane 6, recently passed the main stage’s fire tests successfully. However, subsequent tests encountered issues with the hydraulic group of the control system vector. ESA has acknowledged these problems and is actively working to resolve them.
If Ariane 6 fails to be ready in time, an alternative option for launching the IRIS2 satellites could be the use of Vega launch vehicles, provided the satellites’ mass remains below 2,200 kg each.
It is worth noting that Airbus and Thales are other potential candidates in Europe for the development and launch of IRIS2. Both companies possess relevant experience and resources in the field.
Despite the obstacles and technical difficulties, the launch of IRIS2 could mark a new era in European space communication. This project embodies the European Union’s aspirations for autonomy, security, and technological progress.