EU expands IRIS2 low‑LEO segment, agrees to reimburse industry scaling costs; initial services targeted for 2029
ESA has expanded the low‑LEO segment of the EU's IRIS2 secure communications constellation and will reimburse industry non‑recurring scaling costs to accelerate build‑out. EU defence and space commissioner Andrius Kubilius said the 290‑satellite multi‑orbit network should begin initial services in 2029.