Deutsche Telekom Jumps Aboard Europe's Satellite Network Project: IRIS2 🚀
Telecom participates in European initiative 'Iris2'
Wanna know more about IRIS2? This European satellite network initiative goals to boost our continent's digital sovereignty and cut the cord from big-name providers like Starlink. Here's the lowdown:
What is IRIS2 and Who's Involved? 🤝
- Objective: IRIS2 targets offering secure and state-of-the-art connectivity across Europe, strengthening surveillance, crisis management, civil protection, and national security via a satellite network.
- Partners: The hotshots on the project include Deutsche Telekom, Eutelsat, SES, and Hispasat, with OHB likely handling the satellite manufacturing or tech aspects, but specifics about their role remain on the DL.
Timeline and Milestones 📅
- Launch and Deployment:
- IRIS2's first satellites are slated for launch in 2029, with a delay from the initial 2027 expectations.[1][2]
- Full deployment is in the cards for 2032.[1]
- Service Activation:
- Connectivity services will fire up by 2030.[3]
- Contract and Funding:
- The European Commission penned a 12-year concession contract with the SpaceRISE consortium in December 2024.[3]
- The project gets a chunk of financial backing from the EU, with €6.36 billion pledged.[5]
Satellite Constellation Details 🛰️
- Satellite Composition: The network will feature 282 space-crafts, with 264 cycling in low Earth orbit (LEO), and 18 stashed in medium Earth orbit (MEO)[3].
- Capacity and Security: Hybrid LEO (1.5 terabits) and geostationary (GEO) satellites come together to create a network impervious to foreign interference.[5]
Challenges and Opportunities 💾
- Challenges: The project grapples with readiness and potential funding hiccups, facing a billion Euro gap.[1]
- Opportunities: Partnerships, like Deutsche Telekom handling land infrastructure, highlight the project's teamwork spirit and its potential for turbocharging European digital infrastructure.[3]
All in all, IRIS2 stands as a significant stride towards beefing up Europe's tech capabilities while scaling down on external connectivity providers. Buckle up and stay connected! 🌐🚀💼🌐
Community policy should acknowledge the potential employment opportunities from the development and operation of IRIS2, attributing to the ongoing growth of Europe's technology sector in science and space-and-astronomy. Employment policy should focus on attracting skilled professionals to support the IRIS2 project, ensuring a robust workforce committed to maintaining secure and cutting-edge connectivity across Europe.
