Filtronic helps beam up next-gen satcoms

A technology firm is playing a key role in the future of European satellite communications.

Sedgefield-headquartered Filtronic is supporting global operator Viasat on its Direct-to-Device (D2D) initiative, providing high-performance feeder link technology for a next-generation low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network.

Backed by the European Space Agency’s ARTES 4.0 programme, the “groundbreaking project” aims to deliver 5G non-terrestrial services straight to handheld devices, helping “shape the future of space-based communications”. 

Filtronic will help define technical requirements and develop high-power RF solutions for satellite payloads and ground stations.

Bosses say its expertise in solid state power amplifiers and mmWave technology will support high-capacity, high-speed communications between Earth and space.

Nat Edington, chief executive of Filtronic, which recently announced it was expanding its headline partnership with Elon Musk’s rocket and spacecraft operator SpaceX, said: “Filtronic is proud to contribute our expertise in high-power RF technology to this groundbreaking project.

“As demand for seamless, global connectivity grows, our advanced mmWave solutions will play a vital role in enabling high-capacity, non-terrestrial networks. 

“We are excited to work alongside Viasat and the ESA to shape the future of space-based communications.”

Mark Dankberg, chairman and chief executive of Viasat, added: “We are delighted to be joined by Filtronic in this important pan-European initiative with ESA to develop D2D space capabilities that are based on 3GPP and other relevant open standards, which will combine existing GEO assets with a new LEO satellite constellation that meets the needs of users in Europe and across the world.

“We will be deploying our expertise alongside a host of European partner companies in this important work. 

“We believe that this is a further step toward ensuring that space remains open and accessible to all.”

This latest collaboration builds on Filtronic’s previous ESA-backed work, first launched in 2023 with additional support from the UK Space Agency.

Rebecca Irving, telecoms investment lead at the UK Space Agency, added: “The UK’s leadership in space technology is strengthened by strategic partnerships such as this one.

“Supporting European industry through the direct-to-device initiative under ESA’s ARTES programme ensures that we remain at the forefront of satellite communications. 

“Filtronic’s expertise in high-power RF and mmWave technology is a key enabler of this next-generation connectivity, reinforcing Europe’s role in shaping the future of global telecommunications.”

In addition to its Sedgefield headquarters at NETPark, Filtronic also operates out of Leeds, Manchester and, since last year, Cambridge Science Park.

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