# Skynet 5C

> British geostationary military communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q7537951](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7537951)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skynet_5C)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/skynet-5c

## Summary  
Skynet 5C is a British geostationary military communications satellite, part of the Skynet 5 series. It was launched on June 12, 2008, and operated by Astrium. Designed for secure military communications, it supports UK and allied forces with high-capacity X-band and Ka-band services.

## Key Facts  
- Launched on June 12, 2008, at 22:05:09 UTC from ELA-3 launch site  
- Operated by Astrium (now Airbus Defence and Space)  
- Mass at launch: 4,638 kg (launch weight)  
- Satellite bus: Eurostar E3000  
- Orbit: Geostationary  
- Service life: 15 years (design life)  
- Manufacturer: Astrium  
- Launch vehicle: Ariane 5 ECA (flight V183)  
- COSPAR ID: 2008-030A  
- Country of origin: United Kingdom  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is Skynet 5C used for?  
A: Skynet 5C is a military communications satellite used to provide secure and reliable communication services for the UK Ministry of Defence and allied forces. It operates in geostationary orbit and handles both X-band and Ka-band traffic.

### Q: When was Skynet 5C launched?  
A: Skynet 5C was launched on June 12, 2008, at 22:05:09 UTC from the ELA-3 launch site in French Guiana.

### Q: Who built and operates Skynet 5C?  
A: Skynet 5C was manufactured and operated by Astrium, now part of Airbus Defence and Space. The satellite is based on the Eurostar E3000 spacecraft bus.

## Why It Matters  
Skynet 5C plays a critical role in the UK’s national defense infrastructure by providing secure, high-capacity military communications. As part of the broader Skynet 5 program, it ensures continuous global coverage for UK armed forces, enabling command, control, and coordination during missions worldwide. Its deployment marked a major upgrade over previous generations, offering enhanced bandwidth and resilience against jamming. The satellite also reflects international collaboration, being launched via a European Ariane 5 rocket while delivering sovereign UK capabilities.

## Notable For  
- Part of the Skynet 5 constellation, which replaced older Skynet IV systems  
- Among the largest and most advanced military communications satellites in the UK fleet at time of launch  
- Features dual-band payload (X-band and Ka-band), supporting diverse tactical and strategic needs  
- Built using the robust Eurostar E3000 platform, ensuring reliability and longevity  
- First fully operational Skynet 5 satellite following delays in earlier launches  

## Body  
### Overview  
Skynet 5C is one of three satellites in the Skynet 5 system, a next-generation military communications network developed for the UK Ministry of Defence. It provides secure, resilient, and high-throughput communication links essential for modern military operations.

### Development and Construction  
- Construction contract awarded in December 2005  
- Built by Astrium (now Airbus Defence and Space)  
- Based on the Eurostar E3000 spacecraft bus  
- Designed for a 15-year service life  

### Technical Specifications  
- Launch mass: 4,638 kg  
- Solar arrays: Two deployable wings spanning 34 meters total width  
- Power source: Spacecraft solar arrays  
- Payload bands: X-band and Ka-band  
- NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 2008-030A  

### Launch Details  
- Launch date: June 12, 2008  
- Launch time: 22:05:09 UTC  
- Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana  
- Launch vehicle: Ariane 5 ECA (flight designation V183)  
- Co-passenger: Türksat 3A  
- Upper stage: ESC-A H14.4  

### Operational Role  
- Provides secure military communications for UK and NATO forces  
- Supports global coverage when combined with Skynet 5A and 5B  
- Operated under Private Finance Initiative (PFI) model  
- Managed by Babcock International as prime contractor  

### Significant Events  
- Construction contract signed: December 2005  
- Successfully launched: June 12, 2008  
- Entered operational service shortly after launch  

## Schema Markup  
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Skynet 5C",
  "description": "British geostationary military communications satellite",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skynet_5C"
  ],
  "additionalType": "CommunicationsSatellite"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/skynet-5.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://sky-brokers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Arianespace-Launchkit-TurkSat-3A.pdf)