Commission accelerates IRIS² deployment with enhanced security and expanded satellites network
The European Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium signed an implementation agreement to roll out IRIS², the EU's flagship satellite constellation, adding 66 satellites and moving the programme from planning to full-scale deployment.
WireTrove Editorial
WireTrove uses AI-assisted tools in its editorial workflow.
Every published story is reviewed and approved by a human editor.
The signed agreement moves IRIS² from the planning stage into full-scale deployment, giving the EU's own satellite-connectivity programme a concrete build-out for the first time.
The European Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium signed an implementation agreement on 7 August 2026 to roll out IRIS², the EU's satellite constellation. The agreement adds 66 satellites to low Earth orbit. The completed main constellation will total 348 satellites. The programme is moving from planning to full-scale deployment.
IRIS² is the European Union's flagship satellite-constellation programme; the Commission and SpaceRISE describe this agreement as the transition point from planning to full-scale deployment.
The source material does not specify a target date for full deployment or discuss cost or timeline relative to other satellite-constellation programmes.
Key facts
- The agreement adds 66 satellites to low Earth orbit.
- The completed main constellation will total 348 satellites.
Sources & Evidence
Based on one cited source.
Primary source
European Commission
