Europe is at a turning point in space

Europe was a pioneer in launch systems and satellites for many years. But in less than a decade, the industry’s center of gravity has shifted. New players such as SpaceX have transformed the sector with integrated, agile models that can launch satellite constellations at an unprecedented pace. Europe now finds itself behind in some of the markets that will shape the industry’s future.

 

Europe already has the frequencies, expertise, and an initial joint project it needs to regain the initiative. The window of opportunity is narrow, but it’s very real. It’s now up to us to make sure it doesn’t close.

Michaël Trabbia
EVP and CEO of Orange Wholesale

Les Échos, Sept 10, 2026

 

Open and ambitious approach to European sovereignty

We believe European sovereignty should be both open and pragmatic. The aim isn’t to shut foreign satellite constellations out of Europe. It’s to give Europe the opportunity to develop a solution of its own, avoiding a de facto monopoly and the strategic risks that would come with it.

Nor does sovereignty mean turning our backs on international cooperation. It means choosing our alliances and partners so that we retain control over our technological future. Europe will need an inherently agile model with shorter technology cycles, strategic allocation of frequencies, and a collective effort if it’s to avoid further delays and dependencies.

IRIS² has a strategic role to play. By 2030, Europe plans to have its own sovereign constellation, with reserved frequencies and European governance.

 

Illustration d'un homme debout de dos sur une map monde en train de regarder un satellite qui est devant la lune

Direct-to-Device: satellite connectivity to your phone

One of the biggest developments in the space industry is Direct-to-Device (D2D) technology. It makes it possible to send messages — and soon make calls — via satellite directly from a compatible smartphone, even when there’s no mobile coverage.
Orange was a pioneer in France with the launch of its “Message Satellite” service in 2025, in partnership with Skylo. In Romania, we successfully tested satellite SMS on the Via Transilvanica and are now working with AST SpaceMobile to prepare trials of voice and data services.
These developments are putting our commitment to connectivity into practice: making it accessible to everyone, wherever they are and whatever the circumstances.

 

Hybrid infrastructures for more resilient connectivity

If Europe is to regain momentum, we need to think of connectivity as an ecosystem in which every technology such as fiber, mobile, subsea, and satellite has a complementary role to play. Combining the strength of terrestrial networks with the flexibility of satellite connectivity is what enables greater digital sovereignty and resilience, while helping ensure access for everyone, whatever the circumstances.

 

 

At Orange, this approach is built on an extensive global infrastructure footprint that we own:

  • 600,000 km of terrestrial fiber 
  • 450,000 km of fiber in submarine cables 
  • 100 million fiber-connected households 
  • 273 million 4G/5G mobile accesses

 

sources : 2025 URD, 2025 Yearbook 

 

We complement these networks with satellite connectivity. It provides a strategic link for remote areas, helps maintain essential services, and supports connectivity in a crisis.
Satellite accounts for around 2% of connectivity (URD 2025, p. 37), but it plays a critical role in making connectivity universal and reliable.

 

Key takeaways

  • Satellite Satellite is an important part of European sovereignty and digital inclusion, complementing terrestrial and subsea networks.
  • Europe has a window of opportunity to regain control over its future in space. That will require collective action.
  • Our global mix of infrastructure supports performance and resilience while giving us greater control over how our networks are used.

 


 

Because control over our infrastructure and frequencies is essential to securing our communications and protecting our data. It also gives us greater independence over our digital services and puts Europe in a stronger position to compete globally.

IRIS²  is a European project to create a dual-use satellite constellation serving both civilian and military needs. It aims to provide highly secure communications services for the European Union and its Member States, along with high-speed connectivity for European citizens, private businesses, and government authorities. Orange supports the project, which is designed to strengthen Europe’s digital sovereignty and reduce its dependence on non-European players.

No. Satellite accounts for around 2% of global connectivity. It remains an essential complement to terrestrial networks, connecting remote areas, maintaining service during a crisis, and helping extend coverage more widely.

It allows anyone with a compatible smartphone to stay connected even when there’s no mobile network: sending text messages today, with calls and Internet access via satellite coming next.

Because innovation in the space industry has accelerated. New industrial models, shorter technology cycles, and carefully chosen international partnerships will be essential if Europe is to remain competitive and avoid becoming dependent on others.

It allows traffic to switch quickly from one technology to another if there’s an outage or incident, helping maintain continuity for services and users around the world.

The Via Transilvanica is a well-known long-distance trail in Romania. Its route through remote areas makes it an ideal environment for testing connectivity solutions such as Direct-to-Device (D2D).

Far from it. Orange has almost 65 years of experience in the field. Its history dates back to 1962, when it was among the pioneers building the first terrestrial antennas to support early telecommunications satellites, including Mondo Vision between the United States and Europe.
Throughout its history, France Télécom, now Orange, has played a key role in supporting technological advances in the space industry. Today, its terrestrial infrastructure remains an essential link in the satellite connectivity value chain, bridging the gap between space technology and the services customers use in the real world.