ORBITAL WHISPERS
TL;DR
EU’s IRIS² began as an ambitious multi-orbit satellite network aimed at rivaling Starlink but has stalled into costly geopolitical theater.
Key industry voices have labeled the programme uncompetitive, consortium members have scaled back commitments, the budget has ballooned toward twelve billion, and major EU states are exploring home-grown alternatives.
IRIS²: Europe’s Fantasy Satellite League
You’ve reached your monthly reading limit
Create a free account to keep reading, or subscribe for full access.
Used: 127 / 5 Resets: October 5, 2025 9:10 pm
Counts apply over a rolling 30-day window. Reloading this page won’t increase your count.
Restricted Content
This content is sealed tighter than a procurement meeting on Friday at 4 p.m. To get in, you’ll need clearance, ideally accompanied by a badge, a budget code, and the ability to nod through three acronyms you don’t understand.
Push the button. You know you want to.
Or don’t. We’re not here to tell you how to live.