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EU Signs IRIS² 348-Satellite Deal, Boosts Secure Capacity

8/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

European Commission signed an agreement to launch the IRIS² sovereign satellite broadband network with 348 satellites.
ESA and SpaceRISE will add 66 LEO satellites, creating a constellation of 330 LEO and 18 MEO units at 8,000 km.
Andrius Kubilius said the network slated for 2029 launches will raise secure capacity by 60 percent in the EU and 54 percent globally, delivering resilient connectivity for governments, emergency services, citizens and African regions lacking infrastructure.

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Story summary

European Commission signed an agreement to launch the IRIS² sovereign satellite broadband network with 348 satellites.
ESA and SpaceRISE will add 66 LEO satellites, creating a constellation of 330 LEO and 18 MEO units at 8,000 km.
Andrius Kubilius said the network slated for 2029 launches will raise secure capacity by 60 percent in the EU and 54 percent globally, delivering resilient connectivity for governments, emergency services, citizens and African regions lacking infrastructure.