SPACE AUTONOMY MONITOREuropean strategic autonomy in space—

Method & Sources

Source register

Every source used, the exact statement it supports, and whether that statement has been verified against the KPI definition. 24 sources · 33 source–value links.

Verification overview

Verified primary source 16Verified secondary source 1Partially verified 11Conflicting evidence 3Source verification pending 2No reliable source identified 0
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Sources (2)

  • T1 · EU institution / agency · Tier 1 · Official primary

    ⚑ Outdated source
    Commission takes next step to deploy the IRIS² secure satellite system

    European Commission (DG DEFIS)

    Official Commission announcement at concession signature. Describes a constellation of 290 satellites; later ESA material describes at least 348.

    Published:
    16 Dec 2024
    Accessed:
    9 Nov 2026

    • "A multi-orbital constellation of 290 satellite[s]"; "governmental and commercial connectivity services by 2030."

      Period: 16 December 2024 · Scope: EU IRIS²

      Limitations: Earlier design description.

      Reliability: Tier 1 (European Commission).

      Differs from ESA (at least 348). Both figures preserved.

      ⚑ Conflicting evidence

      Checked 9 Nov 2026

  • T2 · European Space Agency · Tier 1 · Official primary

    ESA Programme Related to EU Secure Connectivity – IRIS²

    European Space Agency (ESA)

    Official ESA programme description: at least 348 satellites (at least 330 LEO, 18 MEO); launches starting 2029; early services 2030.

    Published:
    30 Oct 2026
    Accessed:
    9 Nov 2026

    • "Multi-orbital constellation of at least 348 satellites"; "at least 330 satellites located in low Earth orbit (LEO) and 18 in medium Earth orbit (MEO)"; "With launches starting in 2029 and early services starting to be provided in 2030".

      Period: Programme description, 30 October 2026 · Scope: EU IRIS²

      Limitations: Zero deployed is inferred from the launch schedule, not stated.

      Reliability: Tier 2 (ESA).

      Constellation size and schedule located in retrieved text.

      ✓ Verified primary source

      Checked 9 Nov 2026

    • Launches starting in 2029 (implies no IRIS² satellites deployed as of October 2026).

      Period: As of 30 October 2026 · Scope: EU IRIS²

      Limitations: Inference.

      Reliability: Tier 2 (ESA).

      Deployment count inferred, not reported.

      ⚑ Partially verified

      Checked 9 Nov 2026