Defence Space

Military Satellite SKYNET 6A passes initial phase of testing

Posted 12 March 2025

The SKYNET 6 programme, which is working closely with industry to exploit technological advancements to deliver the next generation of military communication satellites, has reached a major milestone with the completion of initial testing at the new UK-government funded National Satellite Test Facility (NSTF) in Harwell, Oxfordshire.

Above: National Satellite Test Facility.
STFC RAL Space copyright

SKYNET is the UK Ministry of Defence’s satellite communication (SATCOM) capability. It supports operations to deliver information to UK and allied forces around the world, enabling battlefield information advantage anywhere, anytime.

Representing the single largest government investment in the UK space industry, SKYNET 6 highlights the nation’s commitment to developing its space capabilities and is a programme co-sponsored by Strategic Command and UK Space Command.

The first of the SKYNET 6 assets, 6A, has reached a milestone with the completion of the initial phase of testing at the new UK-government funded National Satellite Test Facility (NSTF) in Harwell, Oxfordshire. The satellite will leverage the latest developments in digital processing and radio frequency spectrum utilisation, offering greater capacity and versatility than previous generations of SKYNET satellites.

Further testing of the completed SKYNET 6A satellite will be conducted at the facility this year, with Airbus Defence, Space UK and the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) RAL Space working closely together to guarantee the satellite’s long-term functionality and reliability once it’s launched into orbit.

Above: NSTF electromagnetics chamber.
STFC RAL Space copyright

Jason Gnaneswaran, Senior Responsible Owner for SKYNET 6, said: "The SKYNET 6 programme will ensure our deployed forces have world-leading communications abilities on demand, whether on the battlefield, onboard a ship, or in the air.

"This milestone in testing is a huge achievement for the Ministry of Defence and RAL Space and is a crucial step in guaranteeing the delivery and long-term functionality of SKYNET 6A.

"It also highlights the success of the broader SKYNET enterprise and the value of close collaboration with our industry and cross-government partners."

Scheduled for launch in 2026, this cutting-edge satellite will be the first SKYNET military communications satellite to be entirely designed, built and tested in the UK, marking a significant advancement for the nation’s space industry. It will be a critical asset for the UK’s armed forces and allies, providing secure and reliable communications for at least 15 years and supporting a wide range of military activities across all operational domains.

This project directly sustains 550 highly skilled jobs throughout the country, including in Stevenage, Corsham, and Portsmouth. Whilst the Harwell Campus is already home to over 100 local and international space organisations, the NSTF itself is expected to attract new businesses and investment to the UK space sector, further solidifying the country’s position as a leader in space technology.

SKYNET 6A’s testing campaign is a testament to the UK’s growing expertise in the space sector enabled by direct investment from the programme.

Dr Barbara Ghinelli, Director for the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s Innovation Clusters and for the Harwell Campus, said: "By supporting pioneering projects like SKYNET 6A, the facility is helping to accelerate the UK’s journey towards the commercialisation of space and further strengthening our clusters as global hubs for innovation.

"Our unique combination of facilities and expertise supports businesses across the UK, and we are excited to enable more dual-use application of our capabilities through programmes like SKYNET 6 and the Regional Defence and Security Clusters."

Above: The National Satellite Test Facility at Harwell.
STFC RAL Space copyright

Ben Bridge, Airbus Defence and Space UK Chairman, said: "Airbus is proud to have been a partner to the MoD on Skynet for the past 40 years, guaranteeing UK sovereign capability.

"Skynet 6A provides end-to-end UK design, development and manufacture capability to support our Armed Forces and the completion of this initial testing phase is a great accomplishment."

SKYNET continues to play a critical role in the UK’s military satellite communication infrastructure, supporting whole force integration which ensures the armed forces remain connected and informed wherever they operate.