North East space company Filtronic secures record £51.3m SpaceX order
Space North East England member Filtronic has secured its largest order from SpaceX to date, worth $68.1 million (£51.3 million).
The follow-on order covers the supply of Filtronic’s Cerus E-band gallium nitride (GaN) solid-state power amplifier units. The technology is designed for demanding high-frequency applications, including low Earth orbit satellite communications.
The agreement follows a $62.5 million SpaceX order announced in August 2025 and further strengthens the relationship between the two companies.
Supporting growing satellite networks
Based at the North East Technology Park (NETPark) in Sedgefield, Filtronic designs and manufactures radio frequency, microwave and millimetre-wave technology for the space, defence and telecommunications sectors.
Its proprietary GaN technology offers higher output power, improved efficiency and better thermal performance than traditional gallium arsenide solutions.
These benefits are particularly important for the high-capacity communications infrastructure supporting low Earth orbit satellite networks.
The new order is expected to be largely fulfilled during Filtronic’s 2028 financial year, giving the company greater visibility over future revenues and supporting its longer-term growth plans.
Nat Edington, Chief Executive Officer of Filtronic, said the order provided further evidence of the growing importance of GaN technology within high-frequency communications and represented another important step in the company’s partnership with SpaceX.
Demonstrating the North East’s space capabilities
Filtronic’s latest success highlights the role North East England is playing in the global space supply chain.
The region has established strengths in satellite communications, advanced electronics, semiconductors, photonics, instrumentation, manufacturing and space data. Through Space North East England, businesses can connect with regional research expertise, specialist facilities, funding opportunities and potential collaborators.
Filtronic’s continuing growth also demonstrates the international opportunities available to North East companies developing technology for the expanding satellite market.
Congratulations to the Filtronic team on this significant achievement.
