British Skynet Satellite Launched Into Orbit

Today, the first of three new British satellites destined to become the backbone for high-speed communications for its military and its allies was launched. Skynet 5, which was boosted into orbit by an Ariane 5-ECA rocket, will take roughly a week to achieve its final geostationary orbit.

"We've already received telemetry from it. In fact, we had a ground station see it just 10 minutes after separation. We've even sent commands to Skynet. It's behaving itself perfectly," said Skynet lead developer Patrick Wood. "Skynet's going to provide five times the capacity that the previous system provided, and allow the military to do things they just haven't been able to do in the past."

Skynet 5 replaces Skynet 4 and for military use and has greatly improved bi-directional traffic rates. Skynet 5 not only features an advanced antenna capable picking up signals while effectively resisting attempts to jam it, but also has four steerable antennas giving operators the ability to target bandwidth to where it is needed by force on the field.

The £2.6 billion ($5 billion USD) project was funded by a Private Finance Initiative and is partnered by Paradigm Secure Communications and EADS Astrium.

The Skynet 5 satellite launched today is designated as 5A. Skynet 5B will launch in at the end of 2007 while Skynet 5C will launch sometime in 2008.