The European Space Agency (ESA) has hired British electronics specialist Filtronic to develop advanced technology that will enable next-generation satellite constellations to deliver high-speed broadband internet coverage. The contract is part of ESA’s efforts to advance the 5G digital transformation of society and industry.
The contract is part of ESA’s Space for 5G and 6G program and is part of ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) program, which promotes commercial innovation to drive European and Canadian leadership in the highly competitive global satellite communications market. Filtronic has an impressive track record in the business of developing millimeter wave products for terrestrial communications.
Supported by ESA and the UK Space Agency, the company works on space hardware whose goal is to provide fast, high-capacity links between communications satellites in low Earth orbit and receiving ground stations.
Constellations in Low-Earth orbit are an important element of next-generation 5G and 6G networks that integrate, augment the ground-based communication infrastructure and ensure the provision of continuous, quick and constant connectivity. Telecommunication satellites provide connectivity by receiving and sending data on radio waves and different parts of the radio spectrum have different capabilities in terms of speed, data volume and bandwidth.
Filtronic technology operates in an extremely high frequency band (or millimeter waves) that provide wide bandwidth, high data rates and low latency in localized areas. As the 5G digital transformation continues, the adoption of this frequency range is gaining significant momentum, thanks to its ability to power key applications including autonomous transport, the Internet of Things and industrial automation. .
By providing the expertise of the company, the contract is expected to do a lot business opportunities in the space industry including more efficient production and the development of acquired technologies.
Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said: “As we rely on satellite communications in all aspects of our daily lives, innovations that improve and extend the reach of these services become important. sector. Filtronic’s products, which aim to address important challenges such as bandwidth requirements for emerging telecommunications, provide a shining example of how The UK does very well in this area; take advantage of opportunities to develop services that improve our lives and contribute to the development of our thriving satellite communications and the wider space sector.”
For his part, Antonio Franchi, director of the ESA 5G/6G Program, explained that “ESA is proud to collaborate with Filtronic in a project that will use the company’s excellent commercial capabilities to improve the digital transformation of society and industry which was achieved through the development of 5G hybrid satellites.
Tudor Williams, Filtronic’s chief technology officer, said: “Filtronic has developed a range of technologies and products for the millimeter wave bands. This contract allows us to pivot to our core technology towards the low Earth orbit market. “Satellite operators are increasingly turning to frequencies that offer ultra-high bandwidth data links and Filtronic is uniquely positioned to complement existing products , produced in commercial volumes, in specific space requirements.”
Finally, Fabrizio De Paolis, director of 5G / 6G implementation at ESA, commented that “Filtronic is in the best position to award this contract. Its in-house design and manufacturing capabilities are unique in the UK and, through the ARTES program, ESA is pleased to partner with Filtronic to establish a leadership position in this exciting and growing sector.”
