In February 2022, the European Union launched the IRIS² (Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) program with the ambition of guaranteeing digital independence from sector giants like Starlink. Scheduled to transmit from 2027, this constellation of satellites aims to provide ultra-secure Internet access to Europe and Africa.
Considerable technical and financial challenges
But as is often the case with this type of huge project, significant delays could compromise compliance with the initial schedule. The European Commission has pushed back the contract award scheduled for March to an undefined later date, citing a ” evaluation process » in progress led by a “ independent committee », According to Thierry Breton, Internal Market Commissioner.
The project, initially estimated at 6 billion euros, has seen its cost double, now reaching 12 billion euros, raising concerns at a time of budgetary restrictions. The main players in the consortium, such as Airbus Defense and Space or Thales Alenia Space, as well as the Arianespace launcher, are not used to investing directly in this type of public-private partnership where they must subsequently market the services developed. Usually, they are contracted directly by states for the provision of services.
In addition, the European Union faces a significant technological gap, including the absence of a reusable launcher comparable to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and limited capacity for rapid satellite production.
Hermann Ludwig Moeller, director of the European Space Policy Institute, did not hide his concerns during the 39th Space Symposium. He expects the European Union to adopt a space law, but the delays create uncertainty for the timetable for establishing the constellation. He expects a “ some discontinuity “, especially if there are changes in the leadership of the European Commission after the elections.
The project also reveals tensions between France and Germany, the main financiers of the operation. The letter from Robert Habeck, German Minister of Economic Affairs, to Thierry Breton last March, demands a review of the planning and criticizes the haste in decision-making.
These tensions are exacerbated by the fact that most subcontractors are based in France, while operations will be managed from Italy. These divergences highlight the coordination challenges and internal political issues within the EU, which could further delay the realization of this ambitious project… perhaps too much?
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