Advancing Secure Satellite Communication Capabilities: A Call for Industry Engagement
The European Commission has initiated a Preliminary Market Consultation aimed at enhancing the development of user terminals and receivers compatible with the upcoming IRIS² satellite services. This initiative is crucial for fostering a robust ecosystem to facilitate secure connectivity across Europe. Feedback from industry stakeholders is encouraged, with the consultation set to close on 15 September 2025.
Accelerating the Deployment of IRIS²
At the forefront of the EU’s strategic objectives, the Secure Connectivity Programme represents a significant investment in establishing the IRIS² — a multi-orbital satellite constellation designed to bolster communication capabilities for governmental and commercial use. Initial governmental satellite communication services are projected to be shared among EU Member States through the GOVSATCOM framework by 2025. This collaborative effort is designed to enrich terrestrial and satellite communication intersections, aiming for low-latency and secure connectivity.
The realization of effective satellite communication services hinges on the accessible deployment of compatible user terminals and receivers. These technologies are pivotal for leveraging the advantages of satellite systems, especially as they integrate with existing terrestrial networks.
Objectives of the Preliminary Market Consultation
This consultation serves the purpose of gathering insights from industry players regarding the current and prospective technological advancements in user terminal development for satellite communication systems. Collaboratively organized by the European Commission, the European Space Agency, and the European Union Agency for the Space Programme, this initiative targets several critical components:
- Market Participation: Information is sought on entities interested in developing user terminals specific to IRIS², including insights into market positioning, product catalogues, pricing structures, technology readiness, and timelines for delivery.
- Market Trends: An understanding of emerging trends within the satellite communications landscape, especially those applicable to governmental needs, is critical for informed decision-making.
- Solution Design: Contributions regarding proposed designs and functionalities of user terminals will help shape future specifications.
- Legal and Standardization Input: Stakeholders are invited to share perspectives on compliance requirements and standardization protocols that will govern the usage of these terminals within the IRIS² framework.
Who Should Participate?
Entities involved in the design, production, and supply of satellite communication terminals and related technologies are encouraged to engage with the consultation. Participants may include:
- Satellite manufacturers
- Service providers
- Supply chain operators
- Research and development entities focused on satellite and communication technologies
How to Engage
The Preliminary Market Consultation can be accessed through the EU’s survey portal, which features two distinct questionnaires:
- Radiofrequency User Terminals: Access Questionnaire
- Optical User Terminals: Access Questionnaire
Respondents are welcome to contribute to one or both surveys, and all feedback must be submitted in English. For participants desiring direct engagement, bilateral meetings or virtual discussions can be scheduled upon request. Representation from the European Space Programme Agency (EUSPA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) will be available to facilitate these interactions.
Confidential Information Protection
Industry participants can have their commercially sensitive information safeguarded upon request, potentially requiring a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to ensure confidentiality.
Additional Information
For inquiries related to this consultation, stakeholders can reach out via email, including “PMC” in the subject line: DEFIS-GOVSATCOM@ec.europa.eu.
This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the EU’s ambition to establish a comprehensive satellite communication infrastructure that meets the evolving demands of governmental operations, defense applications, and commercial enterprises. Engaging with this consultation will ensure that industry capabilities align with strategic goals for secure connectivity across the continent.
