Filtronic Partners with Airbus for Constellation Satellite Contract

Key Takeaways

Filtronic secured a contract to supply filter and diplexer assemblies to Airbus Defence and Space for Eutelsat OneWeb satellites.
The assemblies will be delivered in 2026, contributing to the expansion of the OneWeb low Earth orbit satellite network.
Filtronic plans to produce the components in-house, ensuring compliance with rigorous space standards.

Contract Details

Filtronic has been awarded a contract to provide filter and diplexer assemblies for Airbus Defence and Space, enhancing the production of more satellites for Eutelsat OneWeb. The contract stipulates that the assemblies will be delivered in 2026 as part of initiatives to expand the OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. These satellites are being constructed by Airbus in Toulouse and are vital for Eutelsat OneWeb’s goal of delivering global broadband connectivity.

Eutelsat OneWeb was formed in 2023 through the merger of Eutelsat Communications and OneWeb, making it the first fully integrated satellite operator that combines technologies from both geostationary orbit (GEO) and LEO satellites. This upcoming satellite production phase builds upon the established Airbus-OneWeb partnership, which has already successfully launched over 600 satellites into orbit as part of the OneWeb constellation.

Filtronic’s Role and Expertise

Filtronic is tasked with the design, development, and qualification of the filter and diplexer assemblies to be integrated into the payloads of these new satellites. These assemblies are engineered to withstand the rigorous conditions of the space environment, ensuring both performance and reliability for a diverse range of communication applications.

Nat Edington, CEO of Filtronic, highlighted that this project aligns with the company’s strategy to enhance its capabilities within the space sector. He emphasized Filtronic’s stature as a technology leader in ground-based satellite communications, noting that this contract represents their expanding footprint in satellite payload systems.

Manufacturing and Compliance

Filtronic plans to leverage its experience in high-volume precision manufacturing, producing the assemblies in-house at its advanced production facilities located in Northeast England. The company is committed to maintaining the high standards required for applications in space, and will also manage the qualification process to ensure compliance with the stringent specifications needed for the space environment.

This contract not only reinforces Filtronic’s technology leadership but also marks a significant step forward in meeting the growing demand for reliable and efficient global satellite communications solutions. Through this partnership, Filtronic aims to solidify its reputation in the aerospace sector while contributing to the broader goal of connectivity through the OneWeb initiative.

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