Europe gets its Starlink rival, signs deal for IRIS2 satellite project

The European Commission and SpaceRISE consortium signed an agreement pushing IRIS2, Europe's sovereign satellite network, into full-scale deployment. Designed to rival SpaceX's Starlink, the constellation will be expanded by 66 satellites, taking total number to 348. Scheduled for launch in 2029, IRIS2 will deliver secure and encrypted connectivity for government, defence and emergency services.