This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2007) |
![]() | |
Mission type | Military communications |
---|---|
Operator | Paradigm Secure Communications EADS Astrium On behalf of British Ministry of Defence |
COSPAR ID | 2007-007B |
SATCAT no. | 30794![]() |
Mission duration | 15 years |
Spacecraft properties | |
Manufacturer | EADS Astrium |
Launch mass | 4,700 kilograms (10,400 lb) |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | 11 March 2007 |
Rocket | Ariane 5ECA |
Launch site | Kourou ELA-3 |
Contractor | Arianespace |
Orbital parameters | |
Reference system | Geocentric |
Regime | Geosynchronous |
Skynet 5A is the first in a series of new-generation Skynet military communications satellites, used by the British Ministry of Defence.[1] It was launched aboard an Ariane 5 carrier rocket at 22:03 GMT on 11 March 2007.[2][3]