UK military satellite set for launch
Friday, 30 May 2008 13:19
The Skynet programme provides military communications for the MoD
Science In Focus
London commuters are being urged not to ignore the plight of hunted whales Full Story
The third military communications satellite for the UK under the Skynet 5 programme is set to launch into space today.
The launch completes the programme after the first two satellites entered space in April and November last year.
Skynet 5 is designed to provide secure next-generation military communications for the Ministry of Defence (MoD)
Skynet 5C will lift-off from Kourou, French Guiana, today on an Ariane 5 launch vehicle.
Astrium, which is responsible for the Skynet 5 service provision through its company Paradigm, described the third and final launch as a "major milestone" for the programme.
The company said today's launch follows "many years" of preparation and collaboration with the MoD.
Paradigm managing director Malcolm Peto said: "We are thrilled that the third Skynet 5 satellite is ready for launch.
"This is an enormous achievement and a credit to the UK MoD and industry teams involved in the Skynet programme."