Podcast: Iris² and the European Space Programme

In this podcast, Dominic Hayes, spectrum manager for the European Commission’s DG Defence Industry and Space, speaks to PolicyTracker journalist Cameron Hill about the Iris² programme and how it could be affected by the satellite-heavy WRC-27The World Radiocommunication Conference (W… agenda.

Hayes explains the history of the Iris² project in the context of the broader European Space Programme and addresses how the constellation could support not only secure government communications but business and commercial interests as well.

While different from satellite giant Starlink, Hayes says Iris² offers a European alternative that can deliver a distinct yet valuable D2D service.

“The dominant players at the moment are non-European, and I think that’s something we are aiming to correct,” he says. “Not necessarily to compete… but to offer an alternative to European citizens who want the choice of using a European network.”

WRC-27’s agenda is 80% satellite items, and Hayes believes that two items offer an opportunity not only to develop D2D for Iris² but also to bolster the satellite market in Europe, where US organisations are seeking to launch more services.

Ultimately, Iris² is just one part of the extensive range of satellite programmes the EU is working on, but to many, as the race to provide D2D services continues, it is one of the most exciting.

Listen to the full episode for free below, or find us on your favourite podcast platform – just search for “PolicyTracker”.