Sener will lead two of the studies selected by the European Space Agency to assess potential governmental services linked to the Low LEO layer of EU IRIS², the European programme aimed at developing a secure, resilient and sovereign connectivity infrastructure. 

The studies belong to the Consolidation Phase of IRIS² Low-LEO Pre-operational and De-risking Activities, part of ESA’s Programme Related to EU Secure Connectivity. 

The two studies, AERIS and QUANTARIS, will address the definition of In Orbit Demonstration (IOD) missions aimed at demonstrating added value services for drone communications and control through satellite infrastructure, independently of the aerial vehicle geolocation, as well as secure communications enabled by quantum key distribution. This initial phase will run for four months and will help advance the architecture and critical technologies required to demonstrate the viability these two potential services that could be integrated into the future development of IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite). 

IRIS² is the European Union’s third flagship space programme for secure satellite communications, following Copernicus, dedicated to Earth observation, and Galileo, Europe’s satellite navigation system. With a planned investment of several billion euros and the involvement of leading institutions and companies from across the European space sector, the programme represents a key pillar of Europe’s strategy to strengthen its autonomy and resilience in the field of secure communications. 

AERIS: beyond-line-of-sight communications 

In AERIS, Sener will lead a consortium comprising Telefónica, Telespazio Ibérica, Gatehouse Satcom and AVS to study a Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communications and command solution for drones, designed to provide connectivity where there is no direct terrestrial connection between the unmanned aerial vehicles that need to communicate. 

The study will analyse the capabilities and architecture required to develop this type of communications service using low Earth orbit space infrastructure, as well as its potential integration into the IRIS² ecosystem. 

BLOS communications for drones extend the operational range of these unmanned vehicles beyond the limitations imposed by direct line of sight. This capability is particularly important in critical scenarios where no terrestrial infrastructure is available and where continuous, secure and resilient communications must be ensured over long distances or in areas with limited coverage. 

QUANTARIS: quantum communications from low Earth orbit 

Sener will also lead QUANTARIS, a project focused on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technologies for a future demonstration in low Earth orbit. 

Quantum Key Distribution enables cryptographic keys to be generated and shared using the principles of quantum physics. The technology is designed to enhance communications security against future threats and contribute to the development of highly secure communications infrastructures. 

The project aims to analyse the technological requirements of a secure communications service using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), with support from partners including the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Telefónica and Telespazio Ibérica. It will also advance the development and compatibility of a future IRIS²-compliant QKD payload. Sener has already developed a QKD system at TRL 6 through the successful completion of the QKD LEO project, funded by the Spanish Centre for the Development of Technology and Innovation (CDTI). 

Sener’s selection to lead both studies strengthens its involvement in European programmes focused on the development of strategic space communications technologies. The company has extensive experience in satellite communications systems, antennas, radio frequency systems and technologies for space platforms and payloads and has been involved for decades in some of the ESA’s leading institutional programmes. 

About ESA Programme related to EU secure connectivity  

Under the overall responsibility of the European Commission, IRIS² is a bold endeavour to build a space-based secure and resilient connectivity network that elevates Europe’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness, where and when it matters most. ESA acts on behalf of the European Commission as the qualification and validation authority for the governmental infrastructure of the Union Secure Connectivity Programme. It manages development and validation contracts supporting the initial space and ground segments, verifies end-to-end system, service, and security performance against EC requirements, and coordinates these activities with ESA’s own programme. 

Within this programme, the IRIS² Low-LEO Pre-Operational and De-Risk Activities components provide a rapid and recurrent mechanism for validating potential new governmental services and associated mission concepts in orbit up to a pre-operational level, subject to successful maturation and later programme level decisions of integration into the operational EU IRIS² baseline.  

Ultimately, these activities aim at contributing to the continued evolution and enhancement of IRIS2 services and capabilities, supporting Europe’s long-term leadership in space in an ever-changing world.  

Learn more at: https://resilience.esa.int/esa-programme-related-to-eu-secure-connectivity-and-iris%C2%B2