European officials and Sateliot met at the European Parliament in Brussels to examine how funding and radio frequency access will shape Europe’s control over satellite communications. The EU’s €14.8 billion space programme, which supports the Galileo navigation system and Copernicus Earth observation service, expires in 2027. For 2028–2034, the European Commission proposes allocating €131 billion to defence and space within a new European Competitiveness Fund. Alongside financing, the discussion addressed Europe’s ability to control its networks and data independently.
Radio spectrum, the frequencies used to transmit signals, is another central issue. A Commission proposal would introduce an EU-wide licence for mobile satellite services in the 2 GHz band, reserving some capacity for European operators and a secure system linked to the planned IRIS² satellite constellation. Sateliot, whose spacecraft connect sensors and trackers beyond the reach of ground networks, has also been selected to contribute to an IRIS² testing layer in low orbit.
Sateliot has launched 11 satellites in total, including five with SpaceX, and plans another SpaceX launch in July 2027. A subsequent launch, scheduled for late 2027 with Spain’s PLD Space, would carry its first two Tritó satellites, designed to deliver 5G connections directly to ordinary phones. They are due to fly on Miura 5, a rocket that has yet to launch. Meanwhile, Sateliot is seeking €150 million—€100 million in equity and up to €50 million in debt—to expand its constellation to more than 500 satellites.
