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Highlights

  • Filtronic partners with Viasat on cutting-edge feeder link technology for satellite communications
  • Contract under ESA's ARTES 4.0 program aims to deliver 5G services directly to handheld devices
  • Filtronic's advanced RF technology will enable high-throughput satellite communication and data rates

Filtronic plc (AIM:FTC), a specialist in designing and manufacturing products for the aerospace, defense, space, and telecoms sectors, has announced a new contract to develop feeder link technology for the European Space Agency's (ESA) Direct-to-Device (D2D) initiative. This collaboration with Viasat aims to create advanced solutions that support the future of satellite communication, particularly in delivering 5G non-terrestrial services directly to handheld devices.

The contract is part of ESA's Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES 4.0) program, designed to foster research and development in satellite communications and connectivity. Filtronic will focus on creating high-power RF solutions, particularly for feeder links, which are essential for both uplink (Earth-to-satellite) and downlink (satellite-to-Earth) transmissions. These high-throughput links are vital for enabling reliable, high-capacity communication between satellites and ground stations.

Filtronic’s expertise in high-performance solid-state power amplifiers will be a crucial element in supporting high data rate feeder links, which are integral to the success of the proposed Open Architecture Low Earth Orbit (LEO) network. This network, developed in collaboration with Viasat and other European partners, is expected to be capable of delivering 5G services to devices worldwide.

This development follows Filtronic's award of an ESA ARTES contract in 2023, with additional support from the UK Space Agency. The collaboration marks an important step in advancing satellite-based communication systems and the potential for global connectivity.

As the demand for seamless, high-capacity connectivity grows, Filtronic's advanced mmWave technology is expected to play a critical role in enabling non-terrestrial networks that can offer faster, more reliable communication options for users across the globe.