# Skynet 5A

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q7537950](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7537950)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skynet_5A)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/skynet-5a

## Summary  
Skynet 5A is a British military communications satellite launched in 2007 as part of the Skynet 5 series. It operates in geostationary orbit and was developed by Astrium to provide secure and resilient communication services for the UK Ministry of Defence. The satellite was launched using an Ariane 5 ECA rocket from the ELA-3 launch site.

## Key Facts  
- Launched on March 11, 2007  
- Operated in geostationary orbit  
- Part of the Skynet 5 series of military communication satellites  
- Built and operated by Astrium (now Airbus Defence and Space)  
- Launched via Ariane 5 ECA rocket from ELA-3  
- COSPAR ID: 2007-007B  
- SCN (Satellite Catalog Number): 30794  
- Instance of: Communications satellite, Skynet 5  
- Wikipedia available in German, English, Portuguese  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is Skynet 5A used for?  
A: Skynet 5A is used for secure military communications by the UK Ministry of Defence. It provides robust and encrypted communication services essential for defense operations.

### Q: When was Skynet 5A launched?  
A: Skynet 5A was launched on March 11, 2007, from the ELA-3 launch facility using an Ariane 5 ECA rocket.

### Q: Who built and operates Skynet 5A?  
A: Skynet 5A was built by Astrium (now Airbus Defence and Space) and is operated under contract with the UK Ministry of Defence.

## Why It Matters  
Skynet 5A plays a critical role in the United Kingdom's national security infrastructure. As part of the Skynet 5 constellation, it ensures reliable, high-capacity, and secure communication links for UK armed forces across global deployments. Its deployment marked a major upgrade over previous generations of military satellites, offering enhanced resilience against jamming and cyber threats. The satellite also represents a key milestone in European space capabilities, being launched via Europe’s premier heavy-lift launcher, the Ariane 5 ECA.

## Notable For  
- First satellite in the Skynet 5 program, modernizing UK military communications  
- Designed for high-security and anti-jamming capabilities  
- Operates within a commercial-private partnership model between the UK MoD and Astrium  
- Launched using the highly reliable Ariane 5 ECA rocket  
- Positioned in geostationary orbit for continuous coverage over strategic regions  

## Body  

### Overview  
Skynet 5A is the first of the Skynet 5 series of military communication satellites. It was developed to replace older systems and deliver improved performance for the UK Ministry of Defence.

### Technical Details  
- **Launch Date**: March 11, 2007  
- **Orbit Type**: Geostationary orbit  
- **Operator**: Astrium (now Airbus Defence and Space)  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2007-007B  
- **SCN**: 30794  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5 ECA  
- **Launch Site**: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana  

### Mission & Purpose  
The primary mission of Skynet 5A is to support secure voice, video, and data transmission for UK military operations globally. It forms part of a constellation that includes subsequent satellites Skynet 5B, 5C, and 5D.

### Development & Contractor  
Built by Astrium Services (now Airbus Defence and Space), Skynet 5A was delivered under a Private Finance Initiative (PFI)-style agreement with the UK government. This arrangement allowed private-sector involvement in the development and operation of military assets.

### Launch Event  
- **Event**: Rocket launch  
- **Date**: March 11, 2007  
- **Location**: ELA-3, Kourou  
- **Vehicle**: Ariane 5 ECA  

### Classification & Relations  
- **Instance Of**: Communications satellite, Skynet 5  
- **Related Classes**: Telecommunications satellites, European launch vehicles (e.g., Ariane 5 ECA)  
- **Wikidata Description**: Communications satellite  

### International Presence  
Wikipedia articles exist in multiple languages including English, German, and Portuguese, reflecting international interest in the satellite and its program.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report