Space

EU Readies €10.6B Space Plan to Rival Musk's Starlink

Published DEC 17 2024

Story

Above: The launch of the rocket VEGA C-flight VV25 from Kourou, in French Guiana, on Dec. 5, 2024. Image credit: RONAN LIETAR/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images

The Facts

The EU signed a deal with private consortium SpaceRISE on Monday to build a €10.6B (US$11.1B) constellation of 290 satellites to rival Starlink and Project Kuiper.
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SpaceNews
The EU will provide two-thirds of the funds to Iris2, while SpaceRISE provides the rest for what they describe as an "ultra-fast, low latency, and highly secure communications services." This is Europe's third big space initiative after the Galileo navigation system and Copernicus Earth observation network.
Computing
NewsBytes
As the EU can currently only provide one-third of its proposed funding, the European Space Agency will reportedly supply €55M ($57.6M). More money will come from the EU's budgets between 2028 and 2035.
Advanced Television
Capacity Media
SpaceRISE includes European satellite operators like SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat and is backed by firms like Thales, Airbus, Deutsche Telekom, and Orange. Eutelsat, reportedly the largest private contributor, is planning to contribute €2B to Iris2.
NewsBytes
PHYS
Advanced Television
Iris2 is slated to be operational by 2030, servicing EU governments, militaries, and private customers. This follows a joint plan between France and Germany to create a firm called The Exploration Company, which aims to develop space capsules like those of SpaceX.
RBC
The Telegraph
Iris2 will reportedly operate two types of satellites — one set in medium Earth orbit and the other in low Earth orbit.
guardian
Reuters

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

Europe's decision to launch Iris2 is a strategic push for autonomy, to reduce dependency on Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Musk's dominance raises fears of over-reliance on one individual’s interests. Iris2 represents Europe's commitment to reclaiming sovereignty in space technology — ensuring critical infrastructure remains under European control. The move will also ignite innovation, creating a competitive counterbalance to SpaceX’s formidable influence.

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Deccan Herald

Narrative B

Europe's Iris2 project is a costly and delayed response to Musk's Starlink and a clunky attempt at sovereignty masked as innovation. An agile SpaceX dominates with speed and affordability, while Iris2 struggles under bureaucracy and industrial favoritism. Instead of fostering bold innovation, Europe risks falling further behind — clinging to protectionism while Musk reshapes the space industry.