Skynet 5C is the third of four Skynet 5 military communications satellites to be used by the British Ministry of Defence (MOD).
Launch
It was launched from French Guiana aboard an Ariane 5ECA carrier rocket at 22:05:02 GMT on 12 June 2008.[1] The launch was originally scheduled for 23 May, but was delayed to 30 May, and then delayed again due to software problems with the carrier rocket. Originally built as a ground spare satellite, the decision to launch was made in 2007. Arianespace provided launch services.
Spacecraft
It was constructed by EADS Astrium under a contract to its subsidiary company Paradigm Secure Communications, who will operate the satellite on behalf of the MoD. Based on the Eurostar E3000 satellite bus, it has a mass of 4,700 kilograms, and an expected on-orbit lifetime of 15 years.[2]
Skynet 5C is part of a constellation of communications satellites for the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense that supports nuclear hardened and protected military X-band and UHF frequency capabilities.[3]
Skynet 5C is located at 17.8 degrees West.[4]
References
- ^ "Successful dual launch for Arianespace: Skynet 5C and Turksat 3A in orbit; 25th successful launch in a row for Ariane 5". Arianespace. 12 June 2008. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
- ^ Krebs, Gunter D. "Skynet 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
- ^ George Allison (21 May 2018). "What is Skynet? A look at Britain's military communications satellites". ukdefencejournal.org.uk. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
- ^ "Satbeams - Skynet 5C". satbeams.com. Retrieved 18 March 2023.