Toward EU Sovereignty in Space: A Comparative Simulation Study of IRIS 2 and Starlink

2026-04-17

AI Summary

This study addresses the strategic imperative for Europe to achieve autonomy in space-based communications and ensure globally resilient connectivity in the 6G era. It presents the first multidimensional quantitative comparison between the commercially driven Starlink constellation and the sovereignty-focused IRIS² initiative. Leveraging a multi-layer orbital architecture encompassing LEO, MEO, and GEO satellites, the work employs integrated link-level and system-level simulations, capacity assessments, and handover dynamics analysis to systematically evaluate performance differences in capacity, coverage, mobility support, and reliability. The findings reveal fundamental distinctions between the two architectures in service capabilities and strategic objectives, confirming IRIS²’s superior security and network resilience. This research provides critical technical insights and optimization recommendations to inform the future deployment of sovereign European satellite communication systems.

Technology Category

• Application Domains: Mobility, Driving & Flight
• Planning, Routing, and Scheduling: Optimization of Spatio-temporal Systems
• Multiagent Systems: Agent Communication

Application Category

• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Web performance, measurement, and characterization
• Security and Privacy: Large-scale security measurements
• Responsible Web: Consent frameworks and practices on the web

Abstract

The evolution of 6th generation (6G) networks increasingly relies on satellite-based Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) to extend broadband connectivity to remote and unserved regions, and to support public safety. In this paper we compare two representative and conceptually different satellite constellation architectures, namely Starlink and IRIS 2. Starlink is a commercial private Internet constellation by SpaceX, based on dense Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. It is primarily designed to deliver high-capacity broadband services for civil applications, with performance targets comparable to those of terrestrial networks. In contrast, IRIS 2 is a planned public initiative to be deployed by the European Union, based on a multi-layer combination of LEO, Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geo-stationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites. It is primarily designed to provide a secure, resilient, and sovereign infrastructure for government and critical communications. After describing the main technical characteristics of Starlink and IRIS 2, we run a comprehensive simulation campaign to evaluate the design tradeoffs between the two. Specifically, we evaluate the per-cell and per-user achievable capacity, the impact of satellite mobility and handover, and identify the capability of each architecture to support global and reliable connectivity. We also provide design suggestions for possible future IRIS 2 deployment extensions.

Problem

• satellite constellations
• sovereignty
• Non-Terrestrial Networks
• 6G
• secure communications

Innovation

• Non-Terrestrial Networks
• satellite constellation
• LEO/MEO/GEO integration
• sovereign infrastructure
• 6G connectivity