Wire · technology
EU expands IRIS² satellite constellation to 348 satellites as deployment begins
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Fusion42 · 29 August 2026 · Fusion42 review
The European Commission has signed an implementation agreement with the SpaceRISE consortium to expand the IRIS² satellite constellation to 348 satellites, moving from planning to full deployment. This expansion aims to enhance secure communications for government, defence, and emergency services, boosting Europe's strategic autonomy and secure connectivity.
This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Government & Space, and 13 sources have reported it between 7 Aug 2026 and 8 Aug 2026.
◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
Europe's satellite network is expanding rapidly with significant government backing, opening new opportunities for founders developing space-based secure communication and ground infrastructure. You must engage now to enter a market dominated by major European primes and secure a role in critical components of this fast-deploying constellation.
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13 sources · first reported 7 Aug 2026 · latest 8 Aug 2026
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