Belgium’s Aerospacelab wins landmark IRIS² contract to help build Europe’s sovereign satellite constellation

Belgian space company Aerospacelab has secured the largest contract in its history after being selected by the European Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium to help build IRIS², the European Union’s flagship secure satellite communications constellation.

The Mont-Saint-Guibert-based company will be one of four prime satellite manufacturers responsible for delivering the space and ground infrastructure required for the ambitious programme. Aerospacelab joins some of Europe’s most established aerospace companies—Airbus Defence and Space, Thales Alenia Space, and OHB—making it the only Belgian company selected for the project.

For Aerospacelab, founded in 2018 by Benoît Deper, the award marks a defining moment in its rapid rise within the European space industry.

“Aerospacelab becomes a key partner in one of Europe’s most critical industrial programmes,” said Benoît Deper, Founder and CEO of Aerospacelab. “This demonstrates not only the confidence placed in our capabilities, but also sends a strong signal to the entire sector: new space companies can play a decisive role in shaping Europe’s space sovereignty alongside long-established industry leaders.”

Europe’s answer to secure satellite communications

IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) is the European Union’s next-generation multi-orbit satellite constellation designed to provide secure, resilient and sovereign communications for governments, defence, emergency services and commercial users.

The constellation will consist of 348 satellites, including 330 in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 18 in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). Initial connectivity services are expected to enter service from 2029.

The programme is intended to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy and reduce reliance on non-European satellite communications systems, while ensuring secure connectivity during crises and in remote regions.

“IRIS² is Europe’s answer to the global challenges of our time,” Deper added. “From 2029 onwards, the European Union will have its own secure, fast and reliable communications satellite network. This marks a new era for European sovereignty, and we are proud to help make it a reality.”

Largest contract in Aerospacelab’s history

Although neither the European Commission nor the SpaceRISE consortium has disclosed the allocation of the overall €13 billion IRIS² programme among the four industrial partners, Belgian media report that Aerospacelab’s share is expected to be worth several billion euros, making it by far the company’s largest and most prestigious contract to date.

The award follows months of preparation by Aerospacelab, which had already been shortlisted for the programme and had begun organising its industrial capabilities in anticipation of a positive decision.

Charleroi megafactory ready for production

The contract comes as Aerospacelab is completing its new satellite megafactory in Charleroi, scheduled to enter service later this year.

With an annual production capacity of up to 500 satellites, the facility is expected to become the largest satellite manufacturing site in Europe and among the largest worldwide. The highly automated plant has been specifically designed for industrial-scale satellite production, enabling the company to meet the demanding manufacturing schedule of large constellations such as IRIS².

“We are ready to deliver on our commitments,” Deper said.

A milestone for Belgium’s space industry

Aerospacelab’s selection represents a major achievement not only for the company but also for Belgium’s space sector. By becoming one of the four industrial pillars of IRIS², the Walloon company will play a central role in one of the European Union’s most strategic infrastructure programmes.

As Europe accelerates efforts to strengthen its technological sovereignty in space, Aerospacelab’s participation confirms that Belgium is becoming an increasingly important player in the continent’s rapidly evolving New Space ecosystem.