ESA Selected ATLAS and SELENE for IRIS2 Satellite Initiative
The European Space Agency has initiated a four-month consolidation phase to evaluate two space infrastructure projects.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Space
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The European Space Agency has selected the ATLAS and SELENE projects for the consolidation phase of the IRIS2 satellite initiative. This research-stage effort aims to develop resilient government services for European space operations.
Why it matters
These projects are intended to accelerate European space capabilities by formalizing infrastructure for air traffic management and 5G communications. This selection marks a strategic push to modernize sovereign orbital assets.
The consolidation phase mandates a four-month technological risk assessment for the proposed infrastructure. SELENE specifically utilizes 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks to integrate space-based connectivity into existing architectures.
The players
European Space Agency
An intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration and development of European space capabilities.
Indra Space
A systems provider focused on space infrastructure, ground segment technology, and defense-related orbital platforms.
The details
ATLAS focuses on space-based air traffic management, utilizing satellite monitoring for communication and surveillance tasks. SELENE employs 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks — radio access technologies that link satellite constellations to standard cellular hardware — to expand infrastructure reach. Indra Space leads both consortia through this assessment, which will determine feasibility for future IRIS2 versions.
Timeline
September 2026: ESA selected the projects for the IRIS2 consolidation phase.
Four months: Total duration assigned for the consolidation phase.
End of this decade: Projected timeline for scheduled demonstration mission launches.
The Tech Race
This project selection follows the established roadmap for the IRIS2 satellite constellation initiative. It signals a move toward selecting the technical foundations that will compete for future implementation contracts.
These projects are currently in an assessment phase and do not yet impact existing commercial or government services. Users should monitor progress toward the scheduled demonstration missions expected toward the end of this decade.
The takeaway
The consolidation phase will determine which of these communication and surveillance technologies are viable for in-orbit implementation. Watch for the ESA's announcement regarding which projects move forward to the implementation phase following this four-month study.
Further reading
Explore the latest developments in orbital infrastructure and satellite systems on our Space page.
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Should your country prioritize investment in secure space-based satellite communication systems?
