Airbus reports progress on British military satellite Skynet 6A

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Airbus reports significant progress on Skynet 6A, the UK’s next-generation military communications satellite. The successful completion of the coupling of communications and service modules underscores the innovative strength of the UK’s space industry and marks a key milestone in the development of the satellite, which is scheduled to enter service in 2027.

Successful coupling of the modules

The milestone of successfully coupling the Skynet 6A communications and service modules was achieved at the National Satellite Test Facility (NSTF) in Harwell, Oxfordshire. The project, carried out by Airbus in Stevenage and Portsmouth, is expected to significantly enhance the communications capability of the British Armed Forces, supporting Airbus in future phases by completing basic testing at Stevenage and further environmental testing at the NSTF.

Innovative capabilities of Skynet 6A

Skynet 6A, a rugged military satellite, offers three and a half times the capacity of the Skynet 5 series and is designed to meet the Ministry of Defence’s comprehensive communications needs. Scheduled for entry into service in 2027, the satellite will ensure the British military has world-class connectivity worldwide and marks a significant advance in Airbus‘ decades-proven Skynet satellite program.

Significant milestones in the British space industry

Barry Austin of Defence Digital commended Airbus and the partners involved for their significant contribution to the Skynet 6 program. The successful integration of Skynet 6A sets new standards for geostationary communications satellites in the UK. The satellite is also the first spacecraft to utilize the new NSTF, and the tests completed in this context demonstrate the high level of expertise of the institutions involved.

Support from RAL Space

Sean Stewart of RAL Space highlighted the role of the NSTF and its commitment to supporting Airbus in the integration and testing of Skynet 6A. The progress achieved illustrates the UK’s ability to host additional large satellites in the future and offers an exciting outlook for the future development of the nation’s space industry.

Airbus Defence and Space is a leading company in the global space industry, providing innovative solutions for civil and military applications. With over fifty years of experience in communications satellites for the British military, Airbus has made significant advances in technology development and plays a critical role in ensuring national defense capabilities.