Airbus Defence and Space moves SkyNet 5
Airbus Defence and Space announced this week that it is moving the Sky Net 5A military satellite to the Asia Pacific region to extend its coverage in this area for the first time in history.
The Sky Net 5 constellation is the world’s most powerful, nuclear hardened and protected military X-band and UHF satellites. Sky Net 5A has begun its planned 67,000 km move and will reach its new location in the autumn. It will expand the capability to provide protected and secure military satcom services to allied governments in the Asia-Pacific region.
It is operated on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence by Airbus Defence and Space.
Speaking at a press conference this week, Richard Barr from the MoD said the MoD was supportive of the move that will provide worldwide coverage for the first time.
It will also mark the first time that the satellite will not be visible from the UK.
