From dependency to control: building sovereign satcom infrastructure in an uncertain world

By Mark Bown, Filtronic

Satellite communication (satcom) networks have become part of critical national infrastructure. As geopolitical uncertainty grows and global alliances shift, it’s never been more important for nations to take control of the satellite ecosystems their citizens and institutions depend on – from the hardware in orbit to the ground systems providing vital connections between Earth and space. 

Nationally important infrastructure 

Just like energy infrastructure, transport networks and IT systems, satcom networks are now regarded as critical national infrastructure. Satellite communications underpin vital systems that are critical for everyday life and national security – from mobile phone and broadband services to emergency response, defence and finance systems. That’s why governments need to ensure satellite networks are afforded the same levels of protection as other more visible national assets.

To achieve greater sovereignty in satellite communications, nations must invest in more than the satellites themselves and look to secure the systems and technologies that enable satellite connectivity – from radio frequency (RF) technologies and ground infrastructure to the supply chains that support them.

Connectivity for everyday life

The rapid growth of satellite constellations in very low earth orbit (VLEO), low earth orbit (LEO), medium earth orbit (MEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO) has transformed the capabilities of global communications networks – enabling continuous high-speed connectivity across the globe.

To deliver this essential satellite connectivity, nations have typically relied on technology and systems from a few global providers, or on sharing infrastructure and expertise with other nations. Recent global events, and the threats to critical infrastructure on multiple fronts, have brought into sharp focus the importance of gaining greater control over the critical satcom infrastructure we rely on every day, and reducing our dependence on third-party systems and expertise.

Vital role for ground segment

While attention might naturally focus on the satellites themselves and the associated launch assets, an often overlooked but fundamental part of any satellite network is the ground segment. Incorporating gateway infrastructure, teleports, high-capacity RF links, digital networks and associated data routing, this ground-based infrastructure connects communications networks on Earth with satellites in multiple orbits – ensuring seamless high-speed connectivity between space-based hardware and systems on the ground. Without a resilient, robust and widely distributed ground infrastructure, satcom networks simply cannot function.

Sovereignty means alliances, not isolation

To provide the continuous connectivity required for critical communications, all technologies and components within a satellite ecosystem need to be compatible and interoperable, as well as providing the redundancy needed to ensure uninterrupted operation. While sovereignty over these systems may be the goal, in reality no single nation can source all of the technology, materials and expertise required for such fully integrated systems from within its own borders.

For the UK, therefore, gaining sovereign control does not mean isolating ourselves from the rest of the world. Instead, it means working with trusted international partners to nurture secure and diversified satcom technology supply chains, supported by a select network of reliable specialist suppliers. At the same time, we must continue to advance our own domestic expertise and capabilities so we can extend our control over the mission-critical elements of satcom networks.

Advancing domestic capability

Filtronic has been leading the way in developing advanced RF technologies for satellite communications for many years, developing solutions to maximise bandwidth and enable efficient, resilient, high-speed data communications.

Filtronic expertise has enhanced the performance of many enabling technologies for the satellite ground segment, including solid-state power amplifiers, transmit and receive devices, block upconverters, downconverters and filters, and we’ve introduced high-performance semiconductor compounds, such as gallium nitride (GaN), to improve the power and efficiency of satcom devices. We’ve also developed space-qualified modules, supporting high-bandwidth inter-satellite, direct-to device and satellite-to Earth communications.

Making space for more data

To expand the capacity of satellite networks in line with accelerating data usage, Filtronic has led the satcom sector into higher frequency mmWave bands, such as Q, V and E bands. Moving into these lesser-used frequencies gives satellite companies the opportunity to establish high-quality, ultra-fast communications channels, enabling high-speed data exchange between satellites and ground stations, as well as between satellites within constellations.

On the ground, digitalisation is shifting communications into RF-over-IP networks, which simplify ground infrastructure and enable greater volumes of data to be transmitted securely and reliably. Digitalisation will mean future satellite ground architectures are increasingly software-defined and widely distributed, and Filtronic is supporting this move in the UK by developing new digitiser/de-digitiser technology to toggle signals between analogue and IP formats.

Security begins at home

As the UK seeks to achieve greater control over its national satcom networks, the UK-based design, manufacturing and engineering expertise offered by Filtronic becomes an increasingly important strategic asset. In an uncertain world, our skills and capabilities – allied with crucial technologies and systems sourced from trusted global partners – offer a clear route to greater sovereignty, resilience and security for the UK’s critical satcom infrastructure.

For more information about the latest developments in RF satcom technologies, please visit our website or speak to a member of our team on +44 (0)1740 618 800.

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