The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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A multi-orbit constellation of about 300 satellites that will deliver resilient, secure and fast communications for EU governments, European companies and citizens will be put in orbit after two contracts were confirmed today in Brussels.
The IRIS2 constellation – which stands for Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite – will comprise hundreds of satellites in low Earth orbit and others in medium Earth orbit. Placing interlinked satellites into these different orbits will enable the constellation to communicate securely and quickly and remain constantly connected without needing thousands of satellites. An additional layer in low Earth orbit providing further services will also be developed.
Launched by European rockets, the IRIS2 constellation will promote European autonomy, resilience and competitiveness. It will ensure uninterrupted access to secure governmental connectivity services and provide high-end commercial services. IRIS2 builds on ESA’s ongoing delivery of constellations for the EU, including Copernicus, the world’s largest Earth-observation programme, and Galileo, the world’s most accurate civilian satellite-navigation system. As the third EU flagship space programme, IRIS2 will be a strategic asset for the EU in support of its sovereignty.