Hispasat has been selected as prime contractor for the ground segment of the European Union’s IRIS² secure satellite communications programme, in a contract valued at more than €1.6 billion. The Spanish operator will oversee antenna infrastructure, control systems and the links connecting the constellation to terrestrial networks, while also leading the Low LEO layer below 750 km.
The wider industrial structure is the SpaceRISE consortium, formed by Hispasat, Eutelsat and SES after negotiations with the European Commission and the European Space Agency. Hispasat, 89.68% owned by Indra, described the role as the first time a Spanish company has taken a leading position in a major European space programme consortium.
IRIS² is designed to provide secure communications for commercial and military use in strategically important areas. The full programme investment is put at €15.6 billion, with first launches expected in 2029 and service entry targeted for 2030. Hispasat has committed up to €600 million for the Low LEO segment.