Skynet 5A satellite enters full service for UK MoD
Astrium prime contractor for:
- Skynet 5A military communications satellite
- Launcher Ariane 5
- Satellite services through subsidiary Paradigm
London, 10 May 2007 – Astrium has achieved a triple success on the Skynet 5 military satellite communications programme with the first satellite Skynet 5A entering full service in orbit.
Astrium is prime contractor on the Skynet 5 contract through its Astrium Services subsidiary Paradigm Secure Communications. Paradigm holds the £3.6 billion contract with the UK Ministry of Defence for the provision of secure milsatcoms until 2020.
Astrium Satellites is prime contractor to Paradigm for the design and build of three Skynet 5 military communications satellites and associated ground infrastructure which will provide significant increase in capacity and performance.
Astrium is also prime contractor on the Ariane 5 launchers in charge of manufacturing, and leads the launcher manufacturing activities of the various European industrial companies. Astrium Space Transportation recently signed an agreement with Arianespace to step up production of Ariane 5 launchers.
The Skynet 5 satellites are based on Astrium's Eurostar E3000 satellite platform with a 34m solar array span and a launch mass of 4.7 tonnes. Skynet 5A was launched on 11 March 2007 from Kourou, French Guiana, and is in its orbital position in geostationary orbit at 1 degree West. Following comprehensive in-orbit testing, Skynet 5A was officially accepted by the UK MoD and entered full service.
François Auque, CEO of Astrium said: “Skynet 5 is a shining example of what can be achived by the combined expertise and capabilities across Astrium. Skynet 5A will provide significantly enhanced communication services to the UK armed forces and Paradigm’s other customers as part of this pioneering and impressive private finance initiative.”
Astrium, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems. In 2006, Astrium had a turnover of €3.2 billion and 11,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Its three main areas of activity are: the business units Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, and Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment, and its wholly owned subsidiary Astrium Services for the development and delivery of satellite services.
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2006, EADS generated revenues of €39.4 billion and employed a workforce of more than 116, 000.
Press contacts:
Remi Roland, ASTRIUM +33 (0)1 77 75 80 37
Jeremy Close, ASTRIUM (UK) +44 (0)1438 77 38 72
http://www.astrium.eads.net
