Skynet 5

The UK MoD and Paradigm Secure Communications Limited, a wholly owned EADS Astrium subsidiary, signed the €3.6 billion Skynet 5 Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract in October 2003. Paradigm Secure Communications then awarded Astrium the contract for supply of the Skynet 5 next-generation military satellite communications system.

Astrium is prime contractor to Paradigm for the design and build of the complete Skynet 5 system. This comprises three Skynet 5 spacecraft as well as a major upgrade of the fixed terrestrial infrastructure, networks and management systems in the UK and provision of over 160 satellite communications terminals. Skynet 5A was launched in March 2007, 5B in November 2007, with 5C scheduled for 2008.

The Skynet 5 satellites are based on the new high-power E3000 variant of Astrium’s well-proven Eurostar series which has accumulated over 200 years operational life. Each Skynet 5 spacecraft will have a launch mass of around 5 tonnes, compared to 1.6 tonnes for Skynet 4F, and a payload power of 5kW, up to four times the power of Skynet 4.

The ground systems being delivered by Astrium as part of the Skynet 5 programme include 59 Reacher tactical vehicle-mounted units in various configurations, capable of standing up to the rigours of all-terrain transport and operation in harsh environments.

Astrium is also responsible for a complete upgrade of the UK Royal Navy’s SCOT shipborne satellite communications systems, which involves the replacement of existing terminals on 28 ships. Installation of these world-class systems is due for completion by 2008 to provide effective and reliable communications services through to 2020.