# The European Commission approved the launch of the project on Monday December 16.

*aerospace · news · 2024-11-05 · The Conversation*

## Key points

- The IRIS2 constellation will deploy around 300 satellites in both low and medium Earth orbits.
- France, Italy, and Luxembourg will host the constellation’s control centres for IRIS2’s ground infrastructure.
- The IRIS2 programme received €2.4 billion in EU funds, plus €600 million from the European Space Agency.
- IRIS2 will guarantee EU strategic autonomy in secure communications, covering both government and commercial needs.
- The 12-year IRIS2 concession contract is scheduled to be signed by the end of 2024.

**Companies:** Eutelsat, SES, Hispasat, Airbus, Thales, OHB, Deutsche Telekom, Orange
**Countries:** France, Italy, Luxembourg

[Read the full story on The Conversation](https://theconversation.com/iris-the-new-satellite-constellation-aimed-at-ensuring-communications-autonomy-for-the-eu-is-launched-242532)

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