If the EU fails to deploy a sovereign LEO constellation, it risks becoming reliant on non-EU constellations for critical security and defence applications.
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Proliferation of Satellite Mega-Constellations
Strategic Security and Defence Implications for the European Union
Key Insights
What does the rise of satellite mega-constellations mean for Europe’s strategic autonomy? As the space industry shifts to commercial dominance, mega-constellations like Starlink offer global connectivity but also pose strategic risks. This article explores how Europe’s dependence on non-EU satellite infrastructure could undermine its security and analyses the EU’s response, including the development of IRIS², a sovereign constellation project. Discover the challenges and opportunities Europe faces in securing space autonomy amidst growing US and Chinese influence in low Earth orbit.
Written by Emile Berthet
27 October 2024 · 00:00 CETUpdated 21 June 2026 · 18:17 CETDOI 10.69790/epis05.25753 · Issue V
Cite this brief
Berthet, E. (2024). Proliferation of Satellite Mega-Constellations. EPIS Insight · Security Policy & Defence.
doi.org/10.69790/epis05.25753
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