Filtronic secures funding to advance digital satellite ground networks
NETPark-based Filtronic has secured UK Space Agency funding to develop technology that could make future satellite ground networks simpler, more flexible and easier to scale.
The funding has been awarded through the UK Space Agency’s Ground Station Innovation Programme, supported by the European Space Agency’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems programme.
Supporting more software-driven satellite networks
Satellite ground stations provide the connection between spacecraft and networks on Earth. Traditional systems can require several pieces of equipment and extensive analogue cabling to transfer signals from an antenna to processing facilities.
Filtronic will develop radio frequency over internet protocol, or RF-over-IP, technology that moves the digital interface closer to the antenna. This will allow satellite signals to be carried over standard Ethernet networks and processed centrally in data centres or cloud infrastructure.
The approach could reduce the complexity of ground stations while supporting the industry’s move towards more automated and software-defined satellite networks.
Developing a high-speed demonstrator
The project will create a demonstrator capable of transmitting and receiving up to 100Gb/s of optical data across multiple channels.
It will support emerging X, Ka and V-band satellite applications and is intended to integrate with Filtronic’s future range of high-frequency communications products.
Tudor Williams, Chief Technology Officer, Filtronic, said, “RF over IP is a key enabling technology for future satellite ground networks. This programme strengthens our technology roadmap while further building our long-standing relationship with the UK Space Agency and ESA, reflecting their continued confidence in Filtronic’s ability to develop innovative communications technologies.
As operators move towards increasingly software-defined and virtualised architectures, RF over IP will play a crucial role in simplifying and scaling next-generation ground infrastructure.”
UKSA Head of Satellite Communications, Henny Sands said: “The UK is at the cutting edge of satellite communications, and projects such as Filtronic’s will help keep British industry ahead of the curve in next-generation space technology. By supporting the development of advanced digital ground segment capabilities through ESA’s ARTES programme, we are helping UK companies create new commercial opportunities, strengthen national capability, and drive economic growth.”
Space communications expertise at NETPark
Filtronic designs and manufactures RF, microwave and millimetre-wave technology from its headquarters at NETPark. Its products support demanding applications across space, aerospace, defence and telecommunications.
The award highlights the advanced communications expertise based at NETPark and its contribution to the development of future satellite infrastructure.
