Skynet (satellites)
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Skynet is a family of military satellites, operated by the UK Ministry of Defence, which provide strategic communication services to the three branches of the UK Armed Forces.
Contents
Models
Skynet 1
Skynet 2
Following the failure of one of the Skynet 1 satellites, the timetable for the launch of the Skynet 2 system was delayed. When Skynet 2A was launched on January 19 1974, the second stage of the Delta rocket failed, placing the satellite in an unusable orbit. It was destroyed when it re-entered the earth's atmosphere on January 27.Skynet 2B was successfully launched on November 23 1974.
Skynet 3
Skynet 3 was abandoned in favour of the more advanced Skynet 4.Skynet 4
Skynet 4 satellites have little similarities to the earlier generations. The cylindrical body of Skynet 1 and 2 was replaced by a large square body housing antennae with extendable solar cells. Skynet 4 were the first purely British built satellites, manufacture of 4A, 4B and 4C being carried out by British Aerospace Dynamics (BAe Dynamics). NATO adapted the design for the NATO IVA and IVB communication satellites.The improved Stage 2 satellites (4D, 4E and 4F) were built by Matra Marconi Space and Astrium to replace the earlier versions. Improvements included increased power and resistance to electronic jamming.
Skynet 5
Skynet 5 is the next generation of satellites, replacing the existing Skynet 4 Stage 2 system. It has been contracted via PFI to a partnership between Paradigm Secure Communications and EADS Astrium, a European spacecraft manufacturer. EADS Astrium will be responsible for the build & delivery of Skynet 5 satellites in orbit, whilst Paradigm will be responsible for provision of service to the MoD. Paradigm have also been contracted to provide communications services to NATO. The first Skynet 5 satellite is expected to become operational in 2006. The programme marks a change of approach in the UK from traditional defence procurement methods to a services-based contract.
| Model | Manufacturer | Launch date | Launch vehicle | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skynet 1 | ||||
| 1A | Philco Ford | November 22 1969 | Delta M | |
| 1B | Philco Ford | August 19 1970 | Delta M | Apogee motor failure |
| Skynet 2 | ||||
| 2A | Marconi Space Systems¹ | January 19 1974 | Delta 2000 | Rocket guidance failure |
| 2B | Marconi Space Systems | November 23 1974 | Delta 2000 | |
| Skynet 4 | ||||
| 4A | British Aerospace | January 1 1990 | Titan 34D | |
| 4B | British Aerospace | December 11 1988 | Ariane 44LP² | |
| 4C | British Aerospace | August 30 1990 | Ariane 44LP | |
| Skynet 4 Stage 2 | ||||
| 4D | Matra Marconi Space³ | January 10 1998 | Delta 7000 | Replaced 4B |
| 4E | Matra Marconi Space | February 26 1998 | Ariane 44L | |
| 4F | Astrium4 | February 7 2001 | Ariane 44L | |
| Skynet 5 | ||||
| 5A | EADS Astrium5 | 2006 | Ariane 5 | |
| 5B | EADS Astrium | 2007 | Ariane 5 | |
| 5C | EADS Astrium | 2007 | Ariane 5 | |
Notes
- With technical assistance from Philco Ford
- Launched with Astra 1A, the first of the European Astra satellite constellation
- Marconi Space Systems merged to form Matra Marconi Space in 1990. MMS acquired BAe Space Systems in 1994.
- In 2000 MMS merged with DASA's space division to form Astrium.
- BAE Systems sold its 25% share of Astrium, renamed EADS Astrium
References
External links
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