What Happened
European Union Expands Space-Based Communications Network
The European Union has announced a rollout plan for its flagship satellite constellation, IRIS2, which will add 66 low Earth orbit satellites to the hundreds already envisioned. The program, valued at over $18 billion, aims to strengthen capabilities for defense, security, and emergency services. Spanish firm HispaSat has been selected as the prime contractor for the ground-based communications and networking portion of the effort. The first satellite launches are slated for 2029, with the program expected to increase secure governmental capacity by 60 percent inside the EU and 54 percent globally. This development was first reported by Breaking Defense.