The Institut Mines-Télécom is proud to announce its partnership with Univity, an innovative French company with a bold ambition: to create a constellation of satellites designed to support next-generation mobile telecommunications networks, including 5G and the future 6G.
A strategic project for sovereignty and innovation
This project aims to build a unique space infrastructure capable of meeting growing connectivity needs, including in the most isolated areas. Thanks to a constellation of interconnected satellites, the objective is to ensure high-performance global coverage while strengthening the digital sovereignty of France and Europe in the face of major international players in the sector.
This initiative is part of the France 2030 plan, which supports the development of strategic infrastructure and national technological sovereignty.
French President Emmanuel Macron has praised this project for its innovative nature and its contribution to France’s industrial and scientific influence.
An active contribution from the Institut Mines-Télécom and its researchers
The Institut Mines-Télécom is participating in this ambitious programme as an academic and scientific partner. Two researchers from Télécom Paris, Philippe Martins (INFRES) and François Baccelli (Visiting Professor, co-founder of LINCS), are contributing their expertise in key areas: optimisation of 5G and 6G networks in a space context, large-scale data traffic management, and seamless integration of terrestrial and satellite networks.
This partnership illustrates the driving role of the Institut Mines-Télécom in disruptive research and innovation, serving inclusive, resilient and sustainable digital technology.
A first success in orbit
The UniSpark demonstrator was launched into orbit on 23 June 2025 aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-14 mission from the Vandenberg launch base in California.
Positioned in Very Low Earth Orbit, UniSpark is testing high-speed, low-latency connections based on the 5G mmWave spectrum. Initial ground and in-orbit testing has begun, with a first end-to-end connection confirming the transition to the operational phase.
This launch marks a milestone for the programme. Transported by D-Orbit’s ION vehicle, UniSpark is enabling the validation of the project’s first technological building blocks. Tests are ongoing, and the initial results are promising.
A forward-looking partnership
By joining this strategic programme, Institut Mines-Télécom is confirming its mission : to train, innovate and support digital transformation for the benefit of society and the economy.
This partnership with Univity demonstrates IMT’s ability to mobilise its scientific expertise to anticipate and build the space telecommunications infrastructure of tomorrow.
