The Belgian startup Aerospacelab has been contracted to build 264 of the 348 satellites for Iris 2, a new European satellite network. According to the “Handelsblatt”, citing sources familiar with the project, the potential order value for this planned European competitor to Starlink stands at a minimum of €1.8 billion.
This contract marks a significant first for the European space industry, as it is the largest space project entrusted in a crucial technical area to a young company. For Airbus, the deal constitutes a setback for its defense and space division, as the company possesses the greatest expertise in handling satellites of this size and function in Europe. When contacted by the “Handelsblatt”, Airbus declined to comment, citing ongoing negotiations.
Also participating in the project is the German satellite manufacturer OHB. The Bremer company will be responsible for producing 18 Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites, which operate in a higher orbital path. OHB’s contract is valued at nearly one billion euros. The company also refused to comment on the matter when approached by the newspaper.
