A North East technology firm has secured a major funding boost to develop a critical component for the future of global satellite communications.
Funding for Next-Generation Satellite Links
Filtronic, the County Durham-based innovator in radio frequency and microwave technology, has been awarded a £1.2 million grant. The funding comes from the UK Space Agency’s National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) and was announced to investors on the London Stock Exchange on 5 December 2025.
The investment will support a project to design and build a high-power 550W Ka-band solid-state power amplifier (SSPA). This advanced hardware is essential for communicating with the new generation of non-geostationary satellites that provide broadband and Internet of Things services worldwide.
Paving the Way for Future Connectivity
Engineers at Filtronic’s County Durham base will develop the new amplifier, building upon the company's existing successful SSPA designs. The project is seen as vital for advancing Ka-band technology, which is required to support the massive expansion of satellite constellations.
These modern satellite networks demand high-capacity, low-latency connections. Filtronic’s leadership stated that adopting Ka-band is crucial to enabling "next generation" services, which include:
- Seamless in-flight connectivity for airlines.
- Integrated 5G non-terrestrial networks.
The company believes Ka-band will underpin the satellite communication services that define the industry for the next ten years.
A Plug-and-Play Solution for Ground Stations
A key feature of the forthcoming amplifier is its design compatibility with existing satellite ground station infrastructure. It is intended to offer a "plug and play transition" from older, less efficient travelling wave tube amplifier (TWTA) systems.
Nat Edington, Chief Executive Officer at Filtronic, commented on the award: “This reflects the strength of our innovation pipeline and our place in the UK’s space ecosystem. Our 550W Ka-Band SSPA represents a significant step change in solid-state performance.”
He added that the technology will allow satellite operators to upgrade their systems with reduced operating costs and enhanced reliability, supporting more sustainable and future-ready networks.
Dr Craig Brown, Investment Director at the UK Space Agency, said: “Filtronic’s project is a great example of the ambition behind the NSIP, turning cutting-edge UK research into commercially viable solutions that strengthen our global competitiveness.”
The Filtronic project features in the NSIP’s Major Projects category, a scheme designed to accelerate the commercialisation of high-impact UK technologies, de-risk private investment, and speed up the route to market. The wider NSIP programme had £17 million available for UK organisations in its latest funding round earlier this year.
