Filtronic, a UK-based company that designs and manufactures high-frequency, high-reliability RF and mmWave transmit and receive solutions, today announced that it has secured its largest ever contract valued at £47.3m ($62.5m) with its long-standing customer, SpaceX, for the Starlink high-speed internet service.

The contract represents the first order for Filtronic’s next-generation Gallium Nitride (GaN) powered Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA) in E-Band frequency.  

The new E-Band GaN SSPA solution delivers a significant step up in performance, offering higher output power, improved efficiency, and enhanced thermal management. These advantages are critical to applications in satellite communications and aerospace and defence applications, where system reliability and performance are paramount.

Crucially, the product will play a vital role in supporting the Starlink constellation, underlining the transformative potential of high-frequency SSPA technology in the ground segment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) communications.

The successful development of this technology is a testament to Filtronic’s technical leadership in high-frequency and high-power mmWave systems. Filtronic’s engineering team successfully addressed the complex challenges of advanced packaging, thermal management, and high-frequency integration, enabling the delivery of a GaN E-Band SSPA solution that redefines performance expectations.

Filtronic’s SSPA products establish a new industry benchmark for size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) at mmWave frequencies.

Nat Edington, Chief Executive Officer of Filtronic, commented:

“Securing this record contract with SpaceX marks a significant milestone for Filtronic. It validates the strength of our engineering capability and demonstrates the transformative value of GaN E-Band SSPA technology. This achievement would not have been possible without the expertise and dedication of both the Filtronic and SpaceX teams, and we are proud to play a role in advancing connectivity for the Starlink constellation and the wider LEO ecosystem.” 

This contract not only reflects Filtronic’s ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions today but also forms part of a multi-year growth strategy, positioning our GaN SSPA at the core of future developments across satellite communications, aerospace, and defence. It underscores Filtronic’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of RF innovation and highlights the company’s strategic focus on delivering next-generation solutions for the most demanding global communications and connectivity applications.