IRIS² reinforced and accelerated as implementation advances
This expansion will significantly enhance the EU's Earth observation and communication capabilities over the next decade.

On 7 August, the European Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium concluded negotiations and signed an implementation agreement to roll out IRIS², the European Union’s new flagship satellite constellation. The agreement, among other things, adds 66 satellites into low Earth orbit to the programme, bringing the main constellation to 348 satellites, and moving it from planning to full-scale deployment with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA).
Overseex summarises and files this story. The reporting itself belongs to ESA.
Keep up with what matters
One email a week with the stories worth your time.
Related coverage

Europe increases size and cost of IRIS² constellation
This expansion will enhance European autonomy in space-based communications and data transmission capabilities.

Rocket Lab launches 8th iQPS satellite
This launch marks a return to flight operations after a brief pause for Rocket Lab.

Webb opens a Treasure Chest filled with stars
The image provides new insights into star formation and the interstellar medium in a relatively nearby region of the Milky Way.