What does it mean for Europe’s security if Italy decides to join the SpaceX satellite system? Will the Giorgia Meloni Government shelve an EU-led project currently in development?
News from the Italian government Further talks with SpaceXElon Musk’s company is working on encryption systems for government communications over the Internet Starlink satellite networkIt raised questions about a possible conflict with the future EU satellite network IRIS2, which is scheduled to be launched in 2029.
offer Five-year contract with SpaceXThis project, worth 1.5 billion euros, will be the largest of its kind in Europe and Last meeting between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Musk Donald Trump’s Florida residence is at Mar-a-Lago. The day after the meeting, the Italian government denied signing any contract with SpaceX.
However, recognition of ongoing conversations sparked concerns among industry experts and politicians, especially given Italy’s participation in the development of the EU satellite network IRIS2, scheduled to be launched in 2029.
The European Commission announced to ‘Euronews’ that Italy will eventually join Starlink It is a national competition. and that EU Member States can join IRIS2 and sign additional agreements at national level. “Italy will definitely be part of the IRIS2 project,” the commission spokesman commented.
What we know so far
Although the Italian Executive denied that the deals were closed, Italy did not rule out talks with SpaceX. initially began to question his commitment With the EU-led IRIS2 project.
“The talks with SpaceX are part of the normal conversations that State ministries hold with companies,” Giorgia Meloni’s office said in a statement. he said. Elon Musk echoed the enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating on X (formerly Twitter): SpaceX “Ready to provide the safest and most advanced connection to Italy”“.
starlink, Operating in Italy since 2021It serves approximately 50,000 customers but can expand its services to cover emergencies such as disasters or terrorist attacks.
Musk’s Space X is also developing another project for defense and precision operations. Star ShieldItalian Security Minister Guido Crosetto defended the involvement during an appearance in parliament, arguing that Musk’s dominance of connectivity in low Earth orbit further empowers him. an indispensable partner. “Europe is working on an alternative system, but it will take 10 to 15 years‘ said Crosetto.
What is the European IRIS2 project?
European IRIS2 project, 11 billion euro ventureIt aims to create a secure, multi-orbit satellite network for EU governments and companies. It is scheduled to become operational in 2030 and aims to reduce dependence on non-EU operators such as Musk’s SpaceX or Jeff Bezos’ Kuiper.
“We are not strong enough in times of crisis” Being too dependent on countries or companies outside the EU“said Andrius Kubilius when a 12-year concession agreement for IRIS2 was signed in mid-December.
hot tub, the first Commissioner of Defense and Space in the bloc’s historyHe described IRIS2 as a “paradigm shift for Europe” that will clearly contribute to the security and defense needs of Member States, as it will also enable secure military communications in the future.
Italy may face against the risk of copying services If you go with both Starlink and IRIS2.
consequences for Italy
While SpaceX offers immediate capabilities, Italy is playing a key role in the development of IRIS2 and the country will host the main IRIS2 operations center in the city centre. Fucino Space CenterIt is one of the largest civilian space centers in the world, currently managing the European Galileo satellite navigation system.
a planned 50 million euro extension Supporting IRIS2, which will create 200 new jobs and strengthen Italy’s role in the European space infrastructure. Additionally, Italian aerospace companies such as Leonardo make significant contributions to the satellite launch technology of the European Space Agency (ESA). Avio, a subsidiary of Leonardo, is the prime contractor and manufacturer of the Vega-C launcher, and its successor, Vega-E, will be deployed between 2027 and 2028 to support IRIS2 launches.
Despite these strategic investments, some EU legislators They expressed concern about Italy’s possible deal with SpaceX. “If you value ‘Made in Italy’, do not sign a satellite deal with Musk,” European Parliament member Christophe Grudler (Renew Europe/France) said on X.
ADVERTprogram accordingly EU GovSatComLaunched this year, it offers a more harmonized approach to pooling the satellite capacity of Italy, France, Luxembourg, Greece and Spain.
Wider implications for Europe
Another critical issue is possible Sensitive Italian data exposed to SpaceXThis could have wider consequences for European security and defence. Besides the risk of duplication of services for Italy if proceeding with both Starlink and IRIS2, critics also economic consequences.
Former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi noted the following in his competitiveness report: Starlink’s rapid expansion disturbed telecom operators and European satellite manufacturers. The report emphasized that the EU has lost its leadership in commercial launchers and geostationary satellites, while falling behind the USA in important space markets such as rocket propulsion, mega constellations and satellite applications.
Italy’s decision while discussions continue It will not only affect your own technological trajectorybut it could also have lasting effects on the EU’s spatial autonomy goals.
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