| Skynet 5C | |
| Mission Type: | Military communications |
| Operator: | Paradigm Secure Communications EADS Astrium On behalf of British Ministry of Defence |
| Mission Duration: | 15 years |
| Manufacturer: | EADS Astrium |
| Launch Mass: | 4700kg (10,400lb) |
| Launch Site: | Kourou ELA-3 |
| Launch Contractor: | Arianespace |
| Orbit Reference: | Geocentric |
| Orbit Regime: | Geosynchronous |
| Apsis: | gee |
Skynet 5C is the third of four Skynet 5 military communications satellites to be used by the British Ministry of Defence (MOD).
It was launched from French Guiana aboard an Ariane 5ECA carrier rocket at 22:05:02 GMT on 12 June 2008.[1] The launch was originally scheduled for 23 May, but was delayed to 30 May, and then delayed again due to software problems with the carrier rocket. Originally built as a ground spare satellite, the decision to launch was made in 2007. Arianespace provided launch services.
It was constructed by EADS Astrium under a contract to its subsidiary company Paradigm Secure Communications, who will operate the satellite on behalf of the MoD. Based on the Eurostar E3000 satellite bus, it has a mass of 4,700 kilograms, and an expected on-orbit lifetime of 15 years.[2]
Skynet 5C is part of a constellation of communications satellites for the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense that supports nuclear hardened and protected military X-band and UHF frequency capabilities.[3]
Skynet 5C is located at 17.8 degrees West.[4]