Leeds-based Filtronic plc said it won a $9 million (£7.1 million) follow-on contract from Elon Musk’s SpaceX to provide E-band solid state power amplifier modules for SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet operation. It said the order will be fulfilled in the current financial year.

A solid state power amplifier converts a low-power radio frequency signal to a higher power one, acting as a circuit block that increases the amplitude, power output, or drive capacity of a radio frequency signal. They are common in space or airborne systems. 

The Starlink satellite constellation provides high-speed, low-latency internet to users around the world.  

Nat Edington, Filtronic’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to receive this further order from our partner, SpaceX, as we continue to support the rollout of the Starlink constellation. The order demonstrates the continued significant role we are playing in helping SpaceX achieve their mission.”