~ Core Filtronic technology strengthens European SatCom with advanced feeder link technology ~
Filtronic, a leader in high-performance mmWave technologies, will play an important role in the European Space Agency (ESA) and Viasat’s Direct-to-Device (D2D) initiative, contributing cutting-edge feeder link technology to enable seamless connectivity between Earth and the low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation. Filtronic will work closely with Viasat to define the optimal feeder link requirements and develop high-power RF solutions essential for the success of this proposed, partner funded next-generation satellite network.
This initiative follows a landmark agreement between ESA Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications, Laurent Jaffart, and Viasat Chairman and CEO, Mark Dankberg, who met in Brussels in January 2025 to accelerate the deployment of Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) LEO D2D systems across Europe and beyond.
Under ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES 4.0), a programme that stimulates research and development within ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications directorate, Viasat and its European partners, including Filtronic, are working towards the design and procurement of an Open Architecture LEO network capable of delivering 5G non-terrestrial services directly to handheld devices.
Filtronic’s contribution includes advanced feeder link technology for both satellite payloads and ground stations. These feeder links enable high-throughput satellite communications, support both uplink (Earth-to-satellite) and downlink (satellite-to-Earth) transmissions. Filtronics expertise in high- solid state power amplifiers will also be instrumental in enabling high data rate feeder links.
This work builds on Filtronic’s involvement in the ESA ARTES-funded project initiated in 2023, with additional support from the UK Space Agency, a sponsor of both the ARTES programme and Filtronic’s participation in the D2D framework.
“Filtronic is proud to contribute our expertise in high-power RF technology to this groundbreaking project,” said Nat Edington, CEO of Filtronic. “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.”
“The UK’s leadership in space technology is strengthened by strategic partnerships such as this one,” added Rebecca Irving, at the UK Space Agency. “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.”
“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,” explained Dankberg, Chairman and CEO of Viasat, Inc.
“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.”
“With the expertise of key industry partners such as Filtronic, we are showcasing our commitment to developing the future-facing technologies that will drive the competitiveness of ESA Member States,” said Laurent Jaffart, Director of ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications.
By bringing its expertise in high-power RF technology to this ambitious programme, Filtronic is helping to shape the future of satellite communications, ensuring that the next generation of space-based connectivity is robust, high-capacity, and accessible to users worldwide.
For more information about Filtronic’s range of components and solutions for telecommunications applications, visit the website here. Alternatively, you can speak to a member of the team on +44 (0)1740 618 800.
