Skynet 5A
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2007) |
Ministry of Defence | |
| COSPAR ID | 2007-007B |
|---|---|
| SATCAT no. | 30794 |
| Mission duration | 15 years |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Manufacturer | EADS Astrium |
| Launch mass | 4,700 kilograms (10,400 lb) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 11 March 2007 |
| Rocket | Ariane 5ECA |
| Launch site | Kourou ELA-3 |
| Contractor | Arianespace |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Geosynchronous |
Skynet 5A is the first in a series of new-generation
Launch
Skynet 5A was one of two payloads orbited by the first
INSAT 4B communications satellite
was launched on the same rocket.
It was originally planned for launch on 10 March, but due to a problem with a sensor controlling the launch pad water deluge system, the launch was delayed one day.
Construction
Skynet 5A was built by
EADS Astrium, who also selected Ariane 5 as the carrier rocket to launch all three Skynet 5-series satellites. Their design is based on the Eurostar E3000
satellite bus.
Use
Skynet 5A is being used to provide secure communications services for the
NATO. Skynet 5A had a launch mass of 4.7 tonnes, and operates with a payload power of 5 kilowatts, four times more than the previous-generation Skynet 4
satellites.
It is operated by
EADS Astrium, on behalf of the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence
.
Skynet 5A is located at 6 degrees East
References
- ^ "Airbus selects new Skynet 5 channel partner - DB - Digital Battlespace - Shephard Media". www.shephardmedia.com. Retrieved 2018-08-02.
- ^ "Skynet 5: UK MoDs Innovative SATCOM Solution". Defense Industry Daily. Retrieved 2018-08-02.
- ^ "British Military To Take Ownership Of Four Skynet Satellites in 2022 - SpaceNews.com". SpaceNews.com. 2012-11-27. Retrieved 2018-08-02.
See also
- Skynet (satellites)