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Skynet 5C

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Skynet 5C
Mission typeMilitary communications
OperatorParadigm Secure Communications
EADS Astrium
On behalf of British Ministry of Defence
COSPAR ID2008-030A Edit this at Wikidata
SATCAT no.33055Edit this on Wikidata
Mission duration15 years
Spacecraft properties
ManufacturerEADS Astrium
Launch mass4,700 kilograms (10,400 lb)
Start of mission
Launch date12 June 2008 (2008-06-12)
RocketAriane 5ECA
Launch siteKourou ELA-3
ContractorArianespace
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeGeosynchronous

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

Launch

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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

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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]

References

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  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.