The IRIS² satellite constellation will be small, but it will make the EU less reliant on SpaceX.
Two years after an initial announcement, the European Union has finally awarded a contract to build a Starlink-like satellite internet network. But it might not begin serving users until 2030.
A consortium of European satellite providers—SES SA, Eutelsat, and Hispasat—will develop the IRIS² satellite network. Work can also subcontracted to other European companies.
The Commission didn’t say how much it will cost, but European media outlets have reported that IRIS² could top €10 billion ($10.8 billion).
