Irish space technology company Celtonn has secured a prestigious contract from the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop next-generation semiconductor hardware for satellite communications. The project is fully funded under ESA’s ARTES 4.0 Core Competitiveness Advanced Technology programme, which supports breakthrough innovation in telecommunications technologies across Europe and Canada.
Founded in 2023, Celtonn was established by a team with extensive experience in Silicon Valley’s semiconductor and aerospace sectors. The company focuses on the design, testing, and manufacturing of high-performance, dual-use millimeter-wave semiconductors, with applications in commercial, defense, and space-based systems.
Under this ESA-backed project, Celtonn will lead the development of a high-linearity, low-noise amplifier (LNA) for the V-band feeder uplink—a critical enabler of low-latency, high-throughput data transmission for next-generation satellite payloads. These capabilities are central to the evolution of global satellite networks, particularly as bandwidth demand continues to rise.
The V-band spectrum has attracted significant international attention, with major players such as SpaceX and Starlink already integrating V-band components into their infrastructure. Regulatory approvals expanding access to higher-frequency bands have further accelerated commercial adoption. By 2030, industry forecasts suggest up to 60,000 active satellites could be operating in orbit—underscoring the need for robust, high-frequency communications systems.
“This project represents a major milestone for Celtonn and validates the technical innovation we bring to the global space economy,” said Marie Bourke, CEO of Celtonn. “The ESA funding allows us to fast-track development and scale our impact.”
The initiative also supports Ireland’s growing space sector. Conor Sheehan, of the Irish Delegation to ESA, said: “Celtonn’s leadership in this ESA-funded project highlights Ireland’s capability in high-tech manufacturing and our commitment to global space innovation.”
