“Filtronic Introduces mmWave Feeder Links for Viasat D2D Project”

Filtronic has entered into a collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) and Viasat as part of the Direct-to-Device (D2D) initiative. The company is contributing advanced feeder link technology to facilitate seamless connectivity between Earth and an open-architecture LEO network. This partnership falls under ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES 4.0) programme, where Viasat and its European partners, including Filtronic, are collectively working towards the design and procurement of an open architecture LEO network capable of delivering 5G non-terrestrial services directly to handheld devices.

Working closely with Viasat, Filtronic will play a crucial role in defining the optimal feeder link requirements and developing high-power RF technology essential for the success of the proposed next-generation satellite network. The feeder link technology being developed is intended for use in both satellite payloads and ground stations, enabling high-throughput satellite communications that support both uplink (Earth-to-satellite) and downlink (satellite-to-Earth) transmissions. Filtronic’s expertise in high-solid-state power amplifiers will be instrumental in enabling high-data-rate feeder links.

This collaboration builds upon Filtronic’s previous involvement in the ESA ARTES-funded project initiated in 2023, with additional support from the UK Space Agency. The UK Space Agency, a sponsor of the ARTES programme, recognizes Filtronic’s participation in the D2D framework as a significant contribution to the advancement of satellite communications technology.

“As demand for seamless, global connectivity grows, our advanced mmWave technology will play a vital role in enabling high-capacity, non-terrestrial networks,” stated Nat Edington, CEO of Filtronic. The commitment to supporting European industry through the direct-to-device initiative under ESA’s ARTES programme ensures that Filtronic remains at the forefront of satellite communications technology.

Rebecca Irving at the UK Space Agency emphasized the importance of Filtronic’s expertise in high-power RF and mmWave technology as a key enabler of next-generation connectivity. This reinforces Europe’s role in shaping the future of global telecommunications. Dankberg, Chairman and CEO of Viasat, Inc., highlighted the significance of the pan-European initiative with ESA to develop D2D space capabilities based on open standards, combining existing GEO assets with a new LEO satellite constellation to meet the needs of users in Europe and worldwide.