The European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing to launch a satellite network called “IRIS²” to provide internet services to various parts of the world, according to European Spaceflight.
The CEO of ArianeGroup, a French aerospace company, expressed interest in securing the contract for the project and emphasized the need to finalize terms promptly, estimating that deploying the “IRIS²” satellites will require 10 to 15 upgraded Ariane 6 rockets.
ArianeGroup is currently the European leader in space launches but faces growing competition from emerging companies such as Isar Aerospace and Rocket Factory Augsburg, which are developing new rocket technologies.
The “IRIS²” system is expected to include 290 satellites at a projected cost of €6 billion. The first satellite is scheduled for launch in 2029.
