North East spacetech firm Filtronic plc, a designer and manufacturer of advanced RF solutions for the space, aerospace and defence, and telecoms infrastructure markets, has been awarded £1.2m funding through the UK Space Agency’s National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) for a project to develop a high-power 550W Ka-Band Solid-State Power Amplifier (SSPA).
Designed to fit seamlessly into existing satellite ground stations, Filtronic’s new SSPA enables an easy, plug-and-play transition from older Travelling Wave Tube Amplifier (TWTA) technology.
This strategic development builds on Filtronic’s successful SSPA design and targets a critically important frequency band. Ka band is central to the expansion of non-geostationary constellations, which rely on it for high-capacity, low-latency feeder and user links. Its adoption is also essential for enabling next-generation services, from in-flight connectivity to 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks. As a result, Ka band will underpin many of the high throughput Satcom services expected to shape the industry over the next decade.
NSIP is a UK government initiative funding innovative space technology projects and the company’s new high-power amplifier features in the programme’s Major Projects category, a scheme designed to advance the commercialisation of high-impact UK technologies, de-risk investment and speed up the route to market.
Nat Edington, CEO at Filtronic said: “This award reflects the strength of our innovation pipeline and our place in the UK’s space ecosystem. The 550W Ka-Band SSPA is a significant step change in solid-state performance, offering leading linear power in a TWTA-compatible form factor.
“It will enable operators to transition from travelling wave tube systems with reduced operating expense and enhanced reliability, helping to support more sustainable and future-ready satellite networks. Built on strategic industry partnerships and a proven record of innovation, our integrated design and manufacturing model delivers scalable, cost-efficient solutions that earned us selection under this leading programme.”
UK Space Agency investment director Dr Craig Brown added: “Filtronic’s project is a great example of the ambition behind the National Space Innovation Programme, turning cutting-edge UK research into commercially viable solutions that strengthen our global competitiveness. By advancing high-power solid-state amplifier technology, this project not only supports more resilient satellite networks but also accelerates the UK’s journey towards a sustainable and innovative space economy.”
