Fraunhofer AVIATION & SPACE and IRIS ² - a European satellite constellation

Abstract In order to make the European communication infrastructure more resilient and to strengthen the technological sovereignty in space, the European Parliament and the European Council decided in November 2022 to build a new satellite constellation: IRIS 2 -Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite. The constellation will be realised through several hundred satellites in multiple orbits and is intended to ensure secure and very fast connectivity for commercial and institutional channels even in places where terrestrial broadband is not feasible or economical. The constellation must also meet the EU’s “Green Deal” requirements (avoiding an increase in space debris, protection of other services), use the latest technologies and optimally protect communications against cyber-attacks by applying quantum encryption. The aim of this paper is to provide a deeper insight into the constellation’s architecture, regulations and challenges. The importance of working in committees like DG DEFIS and having a large network will also be discussed in order to advance the Dark and Quiet Skies efforts.