SpaceX supplier Filtronic has secured a new contract to provide components destined for new satellites being built by Airbus Defence and Space.
The County Durham firm will make advanced filter and diplexer assemblies for the aerospace giant, which is producing additional satellites to Eutelsat OneWeb - a provider of broadband services via low earth orbit satellites. Filtronic's Sedgefield-based engineers will deliver what are known as flight sets for installation next year, in support of Eutelsat OneWeb's expansion of its constellation which is made up of 630 satellites orbiting about 1,200km above the Earth.
Filtronic told investors on the London Stock Exchange that the initial contract is "of significant value" and holds the potential for more orders as the constellation rollout progresses. Eutelsat OneWeb was formed three years ago through the merger of Eutelsat Communications and OneWeb, and is said to be the world's first fully integrated satellite operator which combines geostationary orbit - satellites places about 35,800km above the Earth's equator - and low earth orbit technologies.
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The next phase of the company's expansion includes the building of 100 satellites. Last year, Airbus was commissioned to manufacture the fleet at its Toulouse base, with production expected to start next year.
Filtronic's NETpark-based operation will also oversee the qualification process to ensure compliance with space environment specifications.
Nat Edington, chief executive officer, said: "This contract win aligns with our strategy to expand capabilities in the space sector and places more of our technology on to operational satellite payload systems. We are delighted to have won a second contract with a European space provider, following our announcement on April 23, 2025, highlighting the role we have to play within this high-growth market and broadening our customer base."
News of the Airbus order comes amid a period of rapid growth for Filtronic, which earlier this month upgraded earnings expectations for its current financial year and the next. On the back of significant expansion of its factory facilities at NETpark, Filtronic is now expected to reach £55m revenue this year with bosses saying that momentum is likely to continue into the 2026 financial year with sights set on further contract wins with existing and new customers.