A new military communications satellite is set to keep troops safe
across the globe for decades to come, thanks to a £500 million
contract confirmed today by Defence Secretary .
Built by Airbus Defence and Space, SKYNET 6A will soar among the
stars, guaranteeing our Armed Forces fast, secure and reliable
communications from thousands of miles above, wherever they are
deployed.
SKYNET 6A will use some of the most advanced technology
available, including a higher radio frequency spectrum and the
latest in digital processing to provide more capacity, speed and
greater versatility than its predecessor system the SKYNET 5
constellation.
The £500 million boost is the latest investment in the
technological safeguards that help our Armed Forces deter threats
from anywhere in the world, including Russia and China. This will
secure UK leadership in defensive space and cyber operations for
generations to come.
Defence Secretary said:
To safeguard our military on operations around the world we
need to ensure that we protect their communications on land,
sea or in air. The newest contested frontier is space and so we
need to provide resilience and better communications for our
forces. SKYNET 6A is one of many solutions we shall be
investing in over the next decade. This Government recognises
the urgent need to defend and promote space capabilities.
This new satellite will continue to be controlled from the UK’s
existing ground stations, allowing for greater flexibility and
security.
Effective and secure satellite communications are essential to
support troops on the ground, and with the development of SKYNET
6A our personnel can continue to rely on space for secure
communications until 2040 and beyond.
Built and assembled in the UK, the SKYNET 6A contract will
sustain 550 highly skilled jobs, making good on the Government’s
commitment to drive employment across the UK. Airbus Defence
& Space is the UK arm of the Airbus firm. Completing the work
in the UK will ensure SKYNET 6A remains a sovereign capability
with the very best technology the private sector has to offer.
Science Minister said:
Space technology plays an important role in supporting our
military and keeping us safe, while also boosting the UK’s
economy and enabling world-leading science and research.
With this major investment in Skynet 6A, the development of the
National Satellite Test Facility and the launch of a dedicated
innovation programme, we are setting a bold new ambition for
the UK in space.
The contract covers all aspects of the satellite’s development.
From the design, manufacture, and assembly stages, to
integration, testing and finally the launch, SKYNET 6A will
revolutionise the way defence is able to communicate.
SKYNET 6A is a modern design that exploits the latest
technologies available from Airbus Defence and Space. The
satellite will use the new Airbus Eurostar Neo telecommunications
satellite platform coupled with electric orbit raising propulsion
and station keeping systems.
