Hispasat wins lead role in EU's €15.6 billion IRIS2 satellite network

Aug 7 : Spanish defence company Indra said on Friday its majority-owned satellite operator Hispasat was named prime contractor for antennas, control systems and ground links in the European Union's IRIS2 secure satellite network, with a budget of over €1.6 billion ($1.74 billion).The operator, 89.68 per cent owned by Indra, will also lead a Low Earth Orbit layer for direct-to-device and Internet of Things connectivity, with up to €600 million committed.KEY DETAILS• The award comes after talks between the European Commission, European Space Agency and SpaceRISE, a consortium formed of Eutelsat, SES, and Hispasat. • The IRIS2 constellation is set to enter service in 2030, with total investment at €15.6 billion, including €4 billion from SpaceRISE.• Hispasat's role in the IRIS2 network adds t