UNIVITY, a European provider of space-based connectivity services, has signed the Zero Debris Charter, committing to address orbital debris. The Charter, supported by more than 180 organizations globally, outlines principles and targets for mitigating space debris.
UNIVITY and satellite operations
UNIVITY operates a satellite constellation in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO). According to the company, satellites in VLEO are designed to disintegrate naturally within weeks or months of decommissioning. This process, due to increased atmospheric drag at VLEO altitudes, reduces the accumulation of orbital debris and limits light pollution compared to satellites in higher orbits.
This operational model positions UNIVITY alongside other firms in the space-based connectivity sector, including SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper. Starlink and Project Kuiper utilize Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and have been scrutinized for potential long-term orbital congestion due to their high deployment counts. UNIVITY’s approach relies on VLEO, an area that, according to the company, is intended to address concerns regarding orbital debris accumulation and collision risks.
Industry context and competitive landscape
Starlink and Project Kuiper are examples of companies operating large-scale satellite networks that aim to provide global internet coverage. Starlink currently operates thousands of satellites, providing global internet services. Project Kuiper, which is currently undergoing initial deployments, has publicly stated its intention to launch thousands of satellites by 2026. All three companies target rural and underserved markets, as well as urban customers.
UNIVITY utilizes a shared infrastructure model, which it describes as enabling telecommunications operators to integrate space-based internet access into their networks. The company states that it uses the 5G mmWave spectrum in a manner that aims to complement terrestrial connectivity and, in its view, reduce operator investment needs.
The Zero Debris Charter
The Zero Debris Charter has been coordinated by the European Space Agency (ESA). It describes principles for orbital operations, including debris prevention, active removal, risk reduction for satellite re-entry, and improvements in space traffic management. The ESA reports that approximately 1.2 million pieces of debris are currently in orbit. The Charter has been signed by over 180 organizations as of June 2025.
UNIVITY’s signing of the Charter signals its commitment to a stated approach to technological development that considers environmental factors. According to UNIVITY CEO Charles Delfieux, “Signing this charter reaffirms our commitment to a shared vision: a competitive but also responsible European sovereignty. UNIVITY proves it is possible to deploy an ambitious constellation and aim for technological excellence without compromising the long-term sustainability of space.”
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He continues, “Space is the next frontier for telecom, and we must explore it with boldness, responsibility, and awareness.” Quentin Verspieren, Space Safety Program Coordination Lead at ESA, stated that UNIVITY’s participation reflects a commitment to global sustainability objectives.
Connectivity and environmental practices
UNIVITY presents its VLEO constellation as one component for increasing internet accessibility in rural, remote, or crisis-affected areas, in line with its stated environmental and operational practices. The company positions its approach as addressing goals around both connectivity and debris mitigation.
Starlink and Project Kuiper have focused on deployment scale and network bandwidth. Growing attention to orbital sustainability and debris management has led sector observers and agencies to note the possibility of new regulatory frameworks shaping future activity in the space-based connectivity sector.
Current status
UNIVITY implements a design and operational model that incorporates stated sustainability considerations. The company describes its environmental practices as part of its overall approach to satellite connectivity. Whether this approach will influence strategies across the broader industry or among other operators remains unclear.
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UNIVITY’s stated aim is to address orbital debris and expand connectivity within its operational sector. Its involvement in the Zero Debris Charter is one recent example of ongoing activity in space sustainability management among satellite operators.
Photo credit: All images shown are owned by UNIVITY and have been provided as part of their press kit. Some of the pictures are renders and not photographs.
Source: UNIVITY press release
