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.
27 October 2024 · 00:00 CET· Updated 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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