EU approves 348-satellite IRIS constellation, first launches planned for 2029

The European Commission has finalized plans for IRIS, the EU's sovereign satellite broadband service designed as an alternative to Starlink. The document details the constellation's design, satellite production prep, and development of ground infrastructure and launch services.

An agreement has been signed with European manufacturers and the European Space Agency (ESA) following negotiations that began this January. The contracts also set target pricing for each satellite and outline investment required from private operators.

The final deal includes more satellites than originally proposed. An additional 66 units bring the constellation to 348 satellites in total. According to ESA, the extra spacecraft are vital for strengthening the network's capabilities in defense, security, and emergency response.

First launches are scheduled for 2029, with services rolling out shortly after, within the same year.

For context, SpaceX's Starlink operates over 10,000 active satellites in low Earth orbit, making the EU constellation tiny by comparison. However, IRIS is not aimed at end consumers. The network will serve EU member state governments and partners such as Norway and Iceland. It is designed for critical operations during emergency response, humanitarian missions, and border surveillance.

Later, the network may open to businesses and citizens in areas where traditional connectivity is absent or unreliable.