Skynet 5C

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Skynet 5C
Skynet-5 satellite.jpg
Mission typeMilitary communications
Operator Paradigm Secure Communications
EADS Astrium
On behalf of British Ministry of Defence
COSPAR ID 2008-030A OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
SATCAT no. 33055 OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
Mission duration15 years
Spacecraft properties
Manufacturer EADS Astrium
Launch mass4,700 kilograms (10,400 lb)
Start of mission
Launch date12 June 2008 (2008-06-12)
Rocket Ariane 5ECA
Launch site Kourou ELA-3
Contractor Arianespace
Orbital parameters
Reference system Geocentric
Regime Geosynchronous
 

Skynet 5C is the third of four Skynet 5 military communications satellites to be used by the British Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Contents

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]

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References

  1. "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.
  2. Krebs, Gunter D. "Skynet 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
  3. George Allison (21 May 2018). "What is Skynet? A look at Britain's military communications satellites". ukdefencejournal.org.uk. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
  4. "Satbeams - Skynet 5C". satbeams.com. Retrieved 18 March 2023.