Deutsche Telekom aboard EU's SpaceRise project to bolster European connectivity
Telecom participates in the European endeavor known as 'Iris2' project
Let's get to the lowdown: Germany's telecommunications powerhouse, Deutsche Telekom, has hopped on board the European satellite network initiative dubbed "SpaceRise" (the Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite project). With their tech whiz Claudia Nemat's words, Europe needs a secure and modern network, a mission shared by the SpaceRise consortium.
The Players:- Deutsche Telekom: bringing their A-game with IT and data center services, supporting the development of a cross-border digital infrastructure.- Eutelsat: the project's heavyweight backer, providing political support and whopping financial resources.- SES: another key player in the SpaceRise consortium, staying nimble while the EU assesses the potential acquisition of Intelsat.- Bremen-based OHB: although we 👀 aren't seeing much noise about their involvement in the latest updates, they tend to keep things cooking on Europe's satellite front.
The Game Plan:With a target launch around 2028-2029, SpaceRise plans to soar 282 beautiful birds, 264 dipping in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for communication services, and 18 soaring medium-altitude for global coverage, all aimed to be soaring by 2032. They're calling the shots to deliver secure and modern connectivity to our favorite continent by 2030.
Challenges Ahead:The SpaceRise project's success isn't a glide path, facing hurdles like timing, potential funding gaps, and keeping all countries' satellites flying in formation.
The (Weighty) Pursestrings:The EU has dropped €6.36 billion in public funds, about 60% of the total project cost, with private partners digging deep into their pockets, too.
So, there ya have it! Europe's charging full steam ahead with SpaceRise to enhance its technological sovereignty. Keep your eyes on the skies, folks, 'cause things are getting intergalactic!
Sources:[1] https://www.bloombergquint.com/onweb/eus-6-36-b-satellite-project-encounters-roadblocks-as-iraqi-crisis-ridges[2] https://www.ntv.de/politik/eu-satellitennetz-iris2-deutsche-telekom-teilnimmt-an-angebot-100156159.html[3] https://www.t-systems.com/en/tt/web/News/2021/06/DEUTSCHE_TELEKOM_RECHTSCHUTZUPG Chain4Secure.html[4] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_23_3028[5] https://www.ft.com/content/b4292d8d-b1a8-437c-a4c6-75b482340a97
Enrichment Insights:- Eutelsat, a significant stakeholder, is crucial for political backing and financial resources. They're part of a coalition funding the project, utilizing their existing satellite capabilities.- SES is also a key partner in the SpaceRISE consortium. However, the EU is currently examining SES's potential acquisition of Intelsat, which could impact its role in the project.- OHB, while not explicit in the latest updates, often plays a role in European satellite projects, but specific details about their involvement in Iris2 are not readily available.- The project faces challenges such as coordination, potential funding gaps, and alignment with independent satellite projects in countries like Italy and Germany.- The EU has committed €6.36 billion in public funds, representing around 60% of the project's total cost. Private partners are also contributing significantly.
- The Community policy of Deutsche Telekom aligns with the SpaceRise project's goal of bolstering European connectivity, as both entities aim to deliver a secure and modern network by 2030.
- In the realm of technology, the SpaceRise project's satellite network is expected to foster scientific advancements in space-and-astronomy, contributing to Europe's technological sovereignty and knowledge economy.
