Skynet 5D Satellite Launched

20 December 2012

Ariane 5 has been successfully launched Skynet 5D satellite on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Skynet 5D is the fourth satellite in the Skynet 5 programme and will reinforce and extend the operational service already provided by this military telecommunications system. Skynet 5D has increased fuel capacity, enabling the satellite to be repositioned more frequently in orbit, enhancing its ability to respond to the operational requirements of the UK’s armed forces. The satellite has an expected operating life of at least 15 years.

Signed in 2003, Skynet 5 is the MOD’s military satellite telecommunications programme. Astrium Satellites was entrusted with the task of designing and building the satellites, while Astrium Services is responsible for system design and the day-to-day operation of the communication services as part of a public-private partnership.

Skynet 5D is the third satellite manufactured by Astrium to be launched within a period of less than three weeks. It was preceded by Pléiades 1B, launched on 1 December 2012, and Eutelsat 70B, launched on 3 December. Astrium Satellites has delivered nine satellites into orbit this year: Yahsat 1B, SPOT 6, Metop-B, Astra 2F, two Galileo IOV satellites, Pléiades 1B, Eutelsat 70B and Skynet 5D.