Aerospacelab wins major contract for Iris2 satellite network

The Belgian startup Aerospacelab has reportedly secured a major contract to build a significant portion of the planned Iris2 satellite network. According to reports, Aerospacelab is set to manufacture up to 264 of the 348 total satellites, with a contract value estimated at a minimum of 1.8 billion euros.

Other key players in the project include the German company OHB, which is expected to produce 18 Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites at a cost of approximately one billion euros, and Airbus, which will manufacture 66 military communication satellites (Mil-Ka-Satellites).

The Iris2 project, which has been in development by the European Commission for nearly six years, aims to provide Europe with independent satellite internet capabilities, reducing reliance on services like SpaceX’s Starlink. The initiative is designed to offer secure connectivity for both government agencies and private users. The first satellites are scheduled to reach orbit by 2029, with government use expected to begin a year later.