Skynet (satellite)

Skynet 5 is a British system of military communications satellites.

The system currently consists of four satellites: Skynet Skynet 5A to 5D. The satellites were built by EADS Astrium and Arianespace placed into orbit. The precursor of the system were Skynet 1 to 4

The October 2003 between Paradigm Secure Communications and the UK MoD (Ministry of Defence ) closed " Skynet 5 PFI service contract " in the amount of £ 2.5 billion regulates the creation and operation of the system. The contract was extended in 2005, now has a value of £ 3.2 billion, and now runs until 2020. EADS Astrium Ltd is a systems provider and Paradigm Services Ltd supplier for full services. Both are subsidiaries of EADS SPACE Services.

Paradigm Secure Communications Ltd. operates the system and provides the satellite communications as a service to the Ministry of Defence. This service will be made ​​available to other countries. We have agreements with various countries and organizations, such as NATO, closed.