Space Intel ReportPeter B de Selding

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.

Also: Reuters
2026-01-26T06:31:38.876968-08:00
SpaceWatch GlobalTorsten Kriening

WSW 2026 — Markus Wandt (ESA/Saab) on Why Space Needs Purpose, Not Hype

By SpaceWatch Global: Daniela Jovic sits down with Markus Wandt, astronaut at European Space Agency and Head of Group Strategy & Technology at Saab.

2026-01-26T22:12:10.420302-08:00