Hispasat has been chosen to lead the ground segment of Europe’s IRIS² satellite communications programme, in a deal worth more than €1.6 billion.
The move follows talks between the European Commission, the European Space Agency (ESA) and SpaceRISE, a consortium made up of Eutelsat, Hispasat and SES.
As a result, Hispasat will be responsible for building and managing the ground infrastructure needed to operate the satellite network, which will include antennas, control systems and links to ground-based communications networks.
IRIS² is a major European programme aimed at providing secure satellite communications for governments, businesses and defence users, with first services planned for 2030.
The wider project is expected to cost €15.6 billion and will involve 342 satellites.
Hispasat will also lead the development of the programme’s very low Earth orbit (LEO) layer, with satellites operating below 750km above Earth. The system is expected to support direct connections to mobile devices and Internet of Things (IoT) services, the company revealed.
The company has also agreed to invest up to €600 million to gain access to non-geostationary satellite orbits in strategically important regions.
HispaSat CEO Luis Mayo, said: “With the agreement reached between SpaceRISE, the European Commission, and European Space Agency, we are strengthening our position among the leaders of the European space industry and in its main business areas.
“We will lead the largest ground segment developed to date in a European Commission program and ensure access to low Earth orbit with the highest technological and safety standards, reinforcing our position as a multi-orbit operator and laying the foundation for the HispaSat of the future.”
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