A strategic project for sovereignty and innovation

Called the Constellation Program, this project aims to build an unprecedented space infrastructure, capable of meeting the growing need for connectivity all over the planet, even in the most isolated areas. Relying on a constellation of interconnected satellites, the aim is to provide fluid, high-performance global coverage, while strengthening France's and Europe's digital sovereignty in the face of the sector's international giants.

This initiative is fully in line with the France 2030 plan, which promotes the development of strategic infrastructures and national technological sovereignty. The project has been praised by French President Emmanuel Macron for its innovative dimension and its contribution to France's industrial and scientific influence.

An active contribution from ITM and its researchers

ITM is taking part in this ambitious program as an academic and scientific partner. More specifically, two researchers (Philippe Martins and François Baccelli ) from Télécom Paris, one of the ITM group's leading engineering schools, are contributing their expertise in key areas for the success of this project: the optimization of 5G and 6G mobile networks in a space context, the management of large-scale data traffic, and the seamless integration of terrestrial and satellite networks.

This partnership illustrates the fundamental role played by the ITM in disruptive research and innovation, at the service of a more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable digital world.

A first success in orbit

The UniSpark demonstrator was launched into orbit on June 23, 2025, aboard SpaceX's Transporter-14 mission, from Vandenberg launch base in California.

This launch marks a crucial milestone: UniSpark, positioned in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), will be used to test high-speed, low-latency links using the 5G mmWave spectrum. The first ground and in-orbit tests have already begun, notably via the first end-to-end link, confirming the transition from the development phase to the operational phase.

This launch represents a major milestone for the Constellation Program. Transported by D-Orbit's ION vehicle, the Unispark demonstrator will validate the project's first technological building blocks. Tests are currently underway, and a first end-to-end link is expected very soon.

This success brings Univity one step closer to its goal: to use space to provide universal broadband connectivity for telecoms operators and citizens worldwide.

A forward-looking partnership

By joining this strategic program, the ITM confirms its mission: to train, innovate and support digital transformation for the benefit of society and the economy. This partnership with Univity is a perfect illustration of the ITM group's ability to put its scientific and technological expertise at the service of high-impact projects, to anticipate and build the space telecoms infrastructure of tomorrow.

The Carnot TSN institute, as a pilot and facilitator of innovative projects, is proud to contribute to this network of excellence supported by the ITM, a major player in research and training in the field of telecommunications.