• IRIS² stands for Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite.
• It consists of a 290-satellite constellation, including 264 satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 18 in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).
• Collaboration between European Union and SpaceRISE.
• First satellite launch planned for 2029.

Key Features of IRIS²:

• Deployment of 264 satellites in LEO and 18 in MEO.
• Provide secure, high-speed broadband connectivity, particularly in underserved regions.
• Focus on Europe for secure satellite internet services.

• 12-year concession for IRIS² is funded by the EU, ESA, and private firms like SES, Eutelsat, and Airbus.
• Total cost: €10.6 billion (~$11 billion).

• Governmental Use: Border surveillance, crisis management, infrastructure security, and defense.
• Civilian Use: Broadband access, smart energy, transportation, and remote healthcare.

World’s Largest Earth Observation Programs: Take a look

• Copernicus Program (EU): Launched in 2014, the Copernicus Program is a European Union initiative with satellites like Sentinel to monitor land, ocean, and atmosphere, enhancing environmental management and disaster response.
• NASA Earth Observing System (EOS): Initiated in 1997, NASA’s EOS provides comprehensive Earth observation data from satellites like Terra and Aqua, focused on understanding Earth’s environment, climate change, and atmospheric composition.
• Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS): Founded in 2005, GEOSS connects Earth observation systems globally to provide data on climate, water resources, biodiversity, and natural disasters, involving over 100 organizations.
• Landsat Program (USA): Launched in 1972 by NASA and USGS, Landsat is the longest-running satellite program offering continuous Earth surface monitoring, focusing on land cover, land use, and environmental changes.