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(Sharecast News) - Filtronic announced on Wednesday that it has secured £1.2m of UK government funding to develop a next-generation high-power satellite amplifier, in a move it says would help accelerate the industry's shift away from legacy transmission systems.
The AIM-traded firm said the award, made under the UK Space Agency's National Space Innovation Programme, would support the design of a 550W Ka-Band solid-state power amplifier intended for use in satellite ground stations.
It said the new unit was designed as a plug-and-play replacement for older travelling wave tube amplifier systems, offering operators lower running costs and improved reliability.
The Ka band, which supports high-capacity, low-latency links, was becoming increasingly integral to non-geostationary satellite constellations as well as emerging services such as in-flight connectivity and 5G non-terrestrial networks, Filtronic explained.
Chief executive Nat Edington said the funding validates the company's strategy of targeting advanced radio frequency products at growth markets.
"This award reflects the strength of our innovation pipeline and our place in the UK's space ecosystem," he said.
"The 550W Ka-Band SSPA is a significant step change in solid-state performance, offering leading linear power in a TWTA-compatible form factor."
He added that the technology "will enable operators to transition from travelling wave tube systems with reduced operating expense and enhanced reliability, helping to support more sustainable and future-ready satellite networks".
The project was included in NSIP's Major Projects category, which aimed to help commercialise high-impact technologies and reduce barriers to investment.
Craig Brown, investment director at the UK Space Agency, said Filtronic's work aligned with the programme's objectives.
"Filtronic's project is a great example of the ambition behind the National Space Innovation Programme, turning cutting-edge UK research into commercially viable solutions that strengthen our global competitiveness," he said, adding that the technology "supports more resilient satellite networks and accelerates the UK's journey towards a sustainable and innovative space economy."
At 1236 GMT, shares in Filtronic were up 2.29% at 136.05p.
Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.