Europe develops independent satellite network amid US spectrum dispute

Europe, led by Germany, is working to reduce its reliance on SpaceX’s Starlink satellite service, which has become vital for Ukrainian forces but raises geopolitical and security concerns. The EU-backed IRIS² project plans a 300‑satellite constellation with a €10.6 billion budget, targeting a 2029 launch, while oneWeb and a planned German military satellite system are also discussed as alternatives.

In the United States, the FCC is reviewing a proposal by Ligado Networks to pair its L‑band spectrum with AST SpaceMobile’s planned low‑Earth‑orbit constellation that would provide direct‑to‑device connectivity. Regulators warn that the dynamic LEO system could cause interference with existing L‑band services such as GPS and Inmarsat, prompting caution over expedited approval.

Both developments reflect a broader push to secure satellite communications infrastructure as the global space economy is projected to grow toward $1 trillion annually by 2032.