A new era in secure military communications
Skynet 5 is the groundbreaking next generation military satellite communications programme to provide resilient, secure communications services to the UK MOD. Serco has been an integral part of the industry team that runs the Skynet 5 programme since the award of the PFI Study Contract in 1999 and is a full member of the Enterprise.
We provide spacecraft control, communications network management and facilities management services, including support staff deployed in theatre. In addition, Serco provides support to Paradigm’s welfare communications service for deployed forces around the world.
Following its launch on an Ariane 5 launcher in March 2007, the Skynet 5A satellite has now reached orbit with all systems fully deployed. The comprehensive testing programme is complete and the satellite has now entered full service. Skynet 5A is the first of three satellites that will form a new constellation to meet the UK MOD’s satellite communications requirements until 2020. One of the three will be an in-orbit spare, to guard against satellite loss.