Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space have formally commenced the development of the first IRIS2 telecommunications satellites on behalf of Eutelsat. The two companies signed initial agreements for the design and construction of the first layer of satellites for Europe’s sovereign connectivity constellation. The signing took place at the International Space Summit in Paris, marking the start of a programme intended to deliver secure satellite communications infrastructure across Europe.
First Layer of IRIS2 Telecommunications Satellites Enters Design and Build Phase
Eutelsat holds responsibility for the Low Earth Orbit segment of the IRIS2 constellation as part of the SpaceRISE consortium. The first layer under this programme comprises at least 66 LEO satellites, with delivery targeted for 2029.
Under the agreements, Airbus Defence and Space will produce the satellite platforms and handle the integration of each satellite with its payload. Thales Alenia Space will supply the payloads for these satellites, bringing its expertise in digital and secure communications to the programme.
Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus Defence and Space, said it is a privilege to contribute to this strategic programme, which will strengthen Europe’s digital sovereignty and strategic autonomy. He added that Airbus will leverage its proven experience in the production of large-scale LEO constellations to deliver this critical first layer.
Hervé Derrey, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space, expressed gratitude to the European Commission, the SpaceRISE consortium of telecom operators, and Eutelsat for placing their confidence in Thales Alenia Space. He stated that the company will provide all governmental communications payloads for the 330 IRIS2 satellites in Low Earth Orbit and that the programme will represent the pinnacle of telecommunications constellations. He noted that Thales Alenia Space will draw on its legacy in constellations, digital payloads, 5G communications and system security to address this programme.
Secure Telecommunications Infrastructure and the Wider IRIS2 Constellation
IRIS2, which stands for Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite, is the European Union’s flagship space programme. Designed as a multi-orbit satellite constellation, it aims to deliver secure connectivity for governments and citizens across Europe via Ka-band frequencies between 26.5 GHz and 40 GHz.
The broader LEO segment of the constellation consists of 330 satellites, for which Thales Alenia Space will supply all governmental communications payloads. The joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%) said this order represents a tranche of approximately €500 million out of the global IRIS2 contract.
The telecommunications infrastructure created through IRIS2 is designed to support Europe’s strategic and digital autonomy by providing resilient and secure connectivity. The programme underscores the growing importance of LEO constellation technology in modern satellite communications and telecommunications infrastructure development.
With development now officially underway, the IRIS2 telecommunications satellites programme moves into its design and build phase, with the first layer of at least 66 satellites on track for delivery by 2029. The programme positions both Airbus and Thales Alenia Space at the centre of Europe’s efforts to build independent and secure satellite communications capability.