Discussing advanced encryption systems with Elon Musk’s SpaceX for secure government communications via the Starlink satellite network, but does this deal potentially conflict with the country’s significant investment in IRIS², the EU’s upcoming satellite network launching in 2029?
The proposed five-year agreement with SpaceX, worth €1.5 billion, would be the largest of this kind in Europe and was discussed during a recent meeting between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Musk at Donald Trump’s Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago.
The Italian government responded that no agreements were made with SpaceX the day following their meeting.
However, its acknowledgement of ongoing discussions has sparked concerns among industry insiders and politicians, particularly given Italy’s involvement in the EU’s development of the competing satellite network, IRIS², which is slated for launch in 2029.
The European Commission informed Euronews that any potential involvement of Italy in Starlink is a subject for national authority, and that EU member states can participate in IRIS² and conclude additional agreements at a national level.
“The Italian government will definitely participate in the IRIS² project,” a Commission spokesperson noted.
What We Know So Far
Italy has confirmed it’s still engaged in talks with SpaceX, but stopped short of announcing any agreements, potentially leaving the status of its participation in the EU-led IRIS² project in a state of uncertainty.
“Discussions with SpaceX are a routine part of the talks that government ministries have with private companies,” Giorgia Meloni’s office stated.
Italy can expect to receive the most secure and advanced connectivity from SpaceX.
Active in Italy since 2021, Starlink currently accommodates around 50,000 subscribers, however, with a potential to expand its services to include emergency responses such as disasters or terrorist attacks.
SpaceX is also developing a project called Starshield for defense and sensitive operations. Italian Security Minister Guido Crosetto defended SpaceX’s involvement during a parliamentary hearing, stating Musk’s control over low-Earth orbit connectivity makes him a crucial partner.
“They’re working on an alternative system in Europe, but it will take about 10 to 15 years to complete,” Crosetto explained.
The European project
The EU’s IRIS² project, an €11 billion endeavor, seeks to establish a secure, multi-orbital satellite network for EU governments and companies.
Slated to commence operations in 2030, it is intended to decrease reliance on non-EU players such as Elon Musk’s SpaceX or Jeffrey Bezos’ Kuiper.
“We cannot afford to be overly reliant on countries or companies outside the EU during times of crisis,” said Andrius Kubilius, at the signing of a 12-year concession contract for IRIS² in mid-December.
Kubilius, the bloc’s first-ever defense and space commissioner, described IRIS² as a “paradigm shift for Europe” that will directly contribute to the security and defense needs of member states, as it also enables future secure military communications.
Italy may encounter the potential issue of duplicated services if it proceeds with both Starlink and IRIS² development.
Consequences for Italy
While SpaceX provides current operational capabilities, Italy plays a crucial role in the development of IRIS², the EU’s flagship satellite project.
Italy will serve as the primary hub for IRIS² operations at the Fucino Space Centre, a leading global civil space centre, which currently oversees the European Galileo satellite navigation system.
The company is poised for a €50 million investment to support IRIS², leading to the creation of 200 new jobs and solidifying Italy’s position as a key player in European space infrastructure.
In addition to contributing to the European Space Agency’s (ESA) satellite launch technology, Italian aerospace companies, such as Leonardo, also play a key role. Its subsidiary, Avio, serves as the prime contractor and producer of the Vega-C launcher, with the planned successor, Vega-E, scheduled for deployment between 2027 and 2028 to support IRIS² launches.
In spite of these strategic investments, some members of the European Union’s parliament have voiced concerns about the potential agreement between Italy and SpaceX.
“If you value ‘Made in Italy,’ do not sign a satellite deal with Musk,” said MEP Christophe Grudler (Renew Europe/France) on X.
He maintained that the EU’s GovSatCom programme, due to be launched this year, presents a more integrated approach for aggregating satellite capacity among Italy, France, Luxembourg, Greece, and Spain.
Broader Implications for Europe
Another critical concern is the potential exposure of sensitive Italian data to SpaceX, which could have far-reaching implications for European security and defence capabilities.
Besides the possibility of redundant services for Italy if both Starlink and IRIS² are implemented, critics also express concerns about potential economic repercussions.
Former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi stated in his competitiveness report that the swift expansion of Starlink has caused disruption to European telecom operators and satellite manufacturers.
The report emphasized that the EU has already let go of its leadership in commercial launchers and geostationary satellites, and is falling behind the US in key areas such as rocket propulsion, mega-constellations, and satellite applications.
As the debate continues, Italy’s decision will not only shape its own technological path forward, but it could also have a lasting impact on the EU’s goals for independence in space exploration.
