A group of European space and telecommunications players have formed a partnership to bid for satellite constellation IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite).

IRIS² aims to bring a new secure and resilient connectivity infrastructure to European governments, businesses and citizens.

The consortium will be governed by Airbus Defence and Space, Eutelsat, Hispasat, SES and Thales Alenia Space. The consortium will rely on the core team of: Deutsche Telekom, OHB, Orange, Hisdesat, Telespazio, and Thales.

This partnership will set up an integrated space and telecoms team across these companies to leverage the expertise and capabilities in the field of satellite communications solutions. The consortium will encourage start-ups, mid-Caps and SMEs to join the partnership.

The integrated team aims to foster collaboration among all European space players across the whole connectivity value chain with a view to enabling EU’s strategic autonomy through the delivery of sovereign, secure and resilient government services to protect European citizens.

The team will leverage synergies between government and commercial infrastructures. The teaming partners are also well positioned to provide commercial services to bridge the digital divide across European territories.

IRIS² will deliver resilient and secure connectivity solutions to governments to protect European citizens and will provide commercial services.