- British electronics firm Filtronic is developing technology to enhance high-speed broadband internet coverage via next-generation satellite constellations.
- The project, backed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the UK Space Agency, aims to facilitate fast, high-capacity links between low Earth orbiting communications satellites and ground stations.
September 15, 2023, British electronics specialist Filtronic has secured a contract to develop advanced technology that will enable next-generation satellite constellations to deliver high-speed broadband internet coverage. The project is backed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the UK Space Agency and forms part of ESA’s efforts to advance the 5G and 6G digital transformation of society and industry.
Low Earth orbit constellations are becoming increasingly important in the development of next-generation 5G and 6G converged networks. These constellations augment terrestrial communications infrastructure, providing continuous, instant, and ubiquitous connectivity. Filtronic’s technology will operate over extremely high-frequency bands, known as millimetre waves, which offer wide bandwidths, high data rates, and low latencies over localized areas.
Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, emphasized the economic impact of such innovations: “As we rely increasingly on satellite communications across all aspects of our daily lives, innovations that improve and expand the scope of these services have become an economic engine for the global space sector.”
Antonio Franchi, Head of ESA’s 5G/6G Programme, stated, “ESA is proud to partner with Filtronic on a project that will apply the company’s excellent commercial capabilities to advance the digital transformation of society and industry, achieved through the development of hybrid satellite 5G networks.”
Filtronic’s role in this project is expected to create several commercial opportunities in the space industry, including more efficient production and the development of spin-off technologies. The contract falls under ESA’s programme of Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES), aimed at boosting European and Canadian leadership in the global satellite communications market.
Tudor Williams, Director of Technology at Filtronic, said, “Satellite operators are increasingly turning to frequencies that deliver ultra-high bandwidth data links and Filtronic is uniquely positioned to adapt existing products, manufactured in commercial volumes, for the specific requirements of space.”
