The European Union is developing a competitor to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite system and similar networks, aiming to strengthen regional security through a satellite communication network that ensures uninterrupted access to “secure governmental connectivity services while also providing high-end commercial services,” according to the European Space Agency.
The European Space Agency and the European Commission, the EU’s executive branch, on Dec. 16 signed a 10.6 billion euro ($11.11 billion) contract with the SpaceRISE consortium of three European satellite operators: SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat. Under the deal, the consortium will design, deliver, and run the IRIS² satellite system for 12 years.
