Business
NSIP funding to develop high-power amplifier
Filtronic plc has been awarded £1.2m in funding from the UK Space Agency's National Space Innovation Programme to develop a 550W Ka-Band Solid-State Power Amplifier, designed to offer leading linear power performance and enable a seamless transition from older Travelling Wave Tube Amplifier technology for future satellite systems. This development is strategically important for the expansion of non-geostationary constellations and next-generation services, supporting high throughput Satcom and enhancing the commercialisation of UK space technologies. Disclaimer*
About this update from Filtronic Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n\n \nRNS Reach\n3 December 2025\nFiltronic plc\n(\"Filtronic\" or \"the Company\")\n \nNSIP funding award to develop next generation high-power amplifier\n\nNew solution delivers leading linear power performance for future satellite systems\n \nFiltronic plc (AIM: FTC), the designer and manufacturer of advanced RF solutions for the space, aerospace and defence, and telecoms infrastructure markets, announces that it has been awarded £1.2m funding through the UK Space Agency's National Space Innovation Programme (\"NSIP\") for a project to develop a high-power 550W Ka-Band Solid-State Power Amplifier (\"SSPA\").\n \nDesigned to fit seamlessly into existing satellite ground stations, Filtronic's new SSPA enables an easy, plug-and-play transition from older Travelling Wave Tube Amplifier (\"TWTA\") technology.\n \nThis strategic development builds on Filtronic's successful SSPA design and targets a critically important frequency band. Ka band is central to the expansion of non-geostationary constellations, which rely on it for high-capacity, low-latency feeder and user links. Its adoption is also essential for enabling next-generation services, from in-flight connectivity to 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks. As a result, Ka band will underpin many of the high throughput Satcom services expected to shape the industry over the next decade.\n \nNSIP is a UK government initiative funding innovative space technology projects and the Company's new high-power amplifier features in the programme's, \"Major Projects\" category, a scheme designed to advance the commercialisation of high-impact UK technologies, de-risk investment and speed up the route to market.\n \nNat Edington, Chief Executive Officer at Filtronic commented: \"This award reflects the strength of our innovation pipeline and our place in the UK's space ecosystem. The 550W Ka-Band SSPA is a significant step change in solid-state performance, offering leading linear power in a TWTA-compatible form factor.\n \n\"It 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. Built on strategic industry partnerships and a proven record of innovation, our integrated design and manufacturing model delivers sc...