By Tim Ferguson, 12 March 2007 15:25
NEWS
The UK military's communications options will receive a boost with the launch of the first Skynet satellite - due to go live in the coming weeks.
The satellite, Skynet 5A, was launched from French Guiana on Sunday and is undergoing in-orbit testing before becoming fully operational in three to four weeks.
The Skynet 5 system will enable the UK's armed forces to co-ordinate strategic and tactical operations around the globe, as well as improve information distribution services.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is expected to spend around £3.6bn to use the satellite network over the next 13 years.
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The system is funded through a private finance initiative, with the satellite owned and operated by Paradigm Secure Communications (a subsidiary of EADS Astrium), and the MoD paying to use its services.
A second Skynet 5 satellite is due to be launched towards the end of the year, with the possibility of a third being deployed, depending on the success of the others.
The new satellite will complement the Skynet 4 network already in place.
Astrium's CEO, François Auque, said the launch heralds a new era in secure military communications for the MoD.
Comments
There are 3 comments. Join the discussion
1. Nick Azazel
Is there a particular reason the military chose the name Skynet? A name made famous in the "Terminator" series of movies starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Skynet was the rogue and intelligent computer network hell bent on the destruction of mankind.
2. Chris Goodman
Not very secure or reliable if it is owned and operated by a private company based - where? and controlled from - where?
3. Jamie Beecher
I was wondering the same things about the name too. If they are trying to instill confidence into the public and those who will use the system, basing the name on a technology that is bent on wiping humans off the face of the earth is probably not the best way of doing it..