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Dieter Surig
The new gold rush in space has long since begun: Big names promise fast satellite internet from orbit to the furthest corners of the earth. Space-X already has more than 3600 satellites in space (Starlink), the British-Indian Oneweb 500 and Amazon (Kuiper) want to follow suit. And the EU is – behind it: A satellite broadband network called iris² should next to the Galileonavigation satellites will become the second major EU consumer space programme. EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton wants one by 2027 European secure internet for authorities, industry and citizens from space – so as not to become dependent on Starlink & Co. The industry doubts that the schedule will work out. Don’t forget decades of delays Galileoand also the late new rocket Ariane 6, that would be needed to launch the satellites can probably take off at the end of 2023 at the earliest.