Keeping European citizens safe from cyberattacks that can lead to the disruption of essential supplies – such as power, water and the flow of crucial information – is vital in today’s increasingly digital world. ESA and the European Commission have today signed an agreement to use space to help keep information secure.
The agreement envisages a constellation of satellites – supported by information-relaying infrastructure on the ground – that will be used by European governments and businesses to keep information secure and confidential.
Called “Iris2” – which stands for “Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite” – the system will promote digital autonomy and provide a strategic asset for the EU.
Under the 12-year agreement, ESA will work with space companies in the EU to develop and validate in orbit the Iris2 constellation, on behalf of the European Commission.
Iris2 will use advanced technologies to keep European information secure. The first satellites and their ground stations are expected to be operational by the end of 2027, based on a contract to be signed in 2024.