Filtronic plc bags major contracts for LEO satellite communications expansion

Filtronic plc (AIM: FTC), a prominent designer and manufacturer in the aerospace, defence, space, and telecoms infrastructure sectors, has announced two significant contract wins, underscoring its pivotal role in the evolving low earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications landscape. The first contract, a production order valued at $9.9 million (£7.8 million), marks the largest agreement to date for Filtronic’s Cerus32 solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) modules, slated for revenue recognition within the 2024 calendar year.

The Cerus32 SSPA, integral to expanding global satellite communications, is earmarked for additional demand following successful initial deployments. These amplifiers will be installed across ground station locations, enhancing the earth station antenna network’s E-band connectivity with LEO satellites. This third and largest order reflects growing confidence in Filtronic’s technology, capable of delivering scalable output powers from 4W to over 20W at E-band frequencies. Filtronic’s unique MMIC chip design and proprietary power combining techniques enable a compact amplifier module, facilitating rapid field deployments and maintaining low latency network performance for an expanding subscriber base.

The second contract entails a development agreement aimed at accelerating the design and prototype delivery of an E-band module for satellite payload integration, offering downlink connectivity to E-band ground stations. Pending successful qualification testing and field trials, this module is poised to become Filtronic’s inaugural space flight product, marking a strategic move to engage more deeply with the satellite segment of the LEO space market.

Richard Gibbs, CEO of Filtronic plc, expressed pride in the partnership’s continuation with a leading global LEO satellite broadband service provider, highlighting Filtronic’s capability to scale operations for Cerus32 SSPA module supply. The decision by the partner to fund Filtronic for a second-generation payload solution underscores Filtronic’s RF design credibility and its efficiency in launching complex RF products within aggressive timelines. “The fact that the customer has also decided to fund Filtronic for their second-generation payload solution, due to be launched later this year, is a further testament to our credibility and expertise in RF design, and our ability to bring complex RF products to market for an aggressive launch schedule,” stated Gibbs.

Filtronic plc’s announcement of these contract wins represents a significant milestone not only for the company but also for the LEO satellite communications industry. By securing the largest production order to date for its Cerus32 SSPA and embarking on the development of a pioneering space flight product, Filtronic is at the forefront of addressing the critical needs of global satellite communications infrastructure. These developments are indicative of the growing demand for enhanced connectivity and the strategic importance of innovative RF solutions in expanding the capabilities of LEO satellite networks.