Skynet 5D

Spacecraft nº:

UK spacecraft nº: 42

Launch data:

Description:

• Skynet 5 is the programme to update the UK's military satellite communications capability for the British Ministry of Defence. The Skynet 5 system will provide the next generation of secure global military satellite communications system, initially through the transfer of ownership, operation and enhancement of the existing Skynet 4 infrastructure and then by incorporating new Skynet 5 satellites and associated ground segment from the middle of this decade. The programme will be delivered in the form of a service provision contract.
• THE SKYNET 5D is a jam-resistant spacecraft built to serve the British Ministry of Defence. The 10,680-pound (4,844-kg) Skynet 5D satellite will be stationed over the Middle East, beaming communications to British ground troops, ships and airplanes. Skynet 5D will climb to a circular orbit 22,300 miles [35,888 km] over the equator, where it will enter service in geostationary orbit at 53 degrees east longitude. Skynet 5D will reinforce existing capacity and become the most widely-used satellite in the Skynet fleet, according to Astrium, which built and will operate the satellite for the UK Ministry of Defence. Astrium Satellites manufactured Skynet 5D, and another division of the company—Astrium Services—operates the Skynet satellite system. The Skynet 5 program includes four satellites, and Astrium's contract with the British military runs through 2022 for an estimated value of more than [US]$6 billion. Like other satellites in the Skynet fleet, Skynet 5D will offer secure, high-speed voice and data communications to British troops and allied forces, including the U.S., Portuguese and Australian armed forces.

Mission details:

• The satellites reached a 263 x 25821 km x 2.0 deg geostationary transfer orbit. On Jan 1 Skynet 5D was in GEO over 24E and Mexsat was over 114.8W.

Satellite tracking: