Filtronic secures record fifty million pound contract with SpaceX for Starlink expansion

Filtronic, the British radio frequency specialist, has clinched its largest-ever contract—a near £50 million agreement—with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bolster the Starlink satellite internet constellation. The County Durham-based company, renowned for its cutting-edge transmitters and receivers, will supply new technology delivering enhanced efficiency, increased power and improved temperature control to the Starlink infrastructure.

This contract marks Filtronic’s first major order for its advanced radio frequency innovation and signifies a landmark achievement in its collaboration with SpaceX. The Starlink system, comprising over 6,750 satellites in low Earth orbit, is designed to provide swift internet access to remote areas and locations lacking robust connectivity. The technology has already played a critical role in maintaining Ukrainian communications, demonstrating its resilience in demanding environments.

Since the outset of its SpaceX partnership, Filtronic has witnessed remarkable financial growth. Revenue soared to £56 million for the year ending May, more than doubling its previous figures, while pre-tax profits reached £13.4 million—almost quadruple the prior year. The company’s shares experienced a 50 per cent jump in April last year when it inked a strategic partnership, also providing SpaceX an option to acquire up to 10 per cent of Filtronic’s shares.

As part of this ongoing relationship, SpaceX placed a substantial order worth £15.8 million for Filtronic’s solid state power amplifiers, making a five-year commitment to continued purchases. With this new contract secured, Filtronic is preparing for further expansion—plans are underway for a new factory in Sedgefield, which will double its UK manufacturing capacity alongside a growing presence in the United States. Engineering and project management staff numbers have also doubled in the past year to meet increased demand.

The chief executive, Nat Edington, emphasised that the contract is not only a testament to Filtronic’s technical prowess but also to the dedication of its teams and SpaceX partners, reinforcing the company’s role in advancing global connectivity within the rapidly expanding low Earth orbit sector.

Founded in 1977 at the University of Leeds by Professor David Rhodes, Filtronic’s legacy spans critical communications networks for aerospace, defence and telecommunications infrastructure. The company continues to support aerospace giants like Airbus and works closely with British defence leaders BAE Systems and Qinetiq. With shares closing up 3.7 per cent, the business now holds a valuation of £314 million, underlining investor confidence in its trajectory.