https://spacewatch.global/tag/skynet/ AN INDEPENDENT PERSPECTIVE ON SPACE Fri, 30 Jan 2026 11:08:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://spacewatch.global/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SpaceWatchGlobal-Sign-90x90.png https://spacewatch.global/tag/skynet/ 32 32 https://spacewatch.global/2026/01/spacewatchgl-opinion-next-generation-uk-milsatcom-capability/ Fri, 30 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=70736
Written by John Yates
The United Kingdom’s (UK) Skynet 6 satellites are obsolete before they have even been launched. So, what should the next generation of British Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) satellites look like? The four Skynet 5 satellites were launched into Geostationary Orbit (GEO) between 2007 and 2012. Assuming a typical design life of 15 years, the first would have exceeded its design life from 2022 and the remainder from 2027, to be replaced by the Skynet 6 satellites. Commercial satellites often remain in use beyond their design life, but that is not a desirable scenario for satellites used in potentially critical situations, such as MILSATCOM.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2022/02/uk-investing-1-4-billion-in-space-defence/ Wed, 02 Feb 2022 07:00:52 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=38896 The UK government announced it will invest approximately £1.4 billion to reinforce their national interests in space, as part of the first Defence Space Strategy (DSS). The DSS outlines the methods of protecting the UK’s national interests in space, stimulating growth of the sector and supporting highly skilled jobs.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2021/01/airbus-and-uk-progress-with-skynet6-program/ Fri, 15 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=29681&preview=true&preview_id=29681 Airbus and UK progress with Skynet6 program]]> https://spacewatch.global/2020/06/skynet-de-colombia-and-ses-networks-ramp-up-connectivity-services-to-aid-colombian-amazonas-communities/ Wed, 10 Jun 2020 05:00:21 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=23329 Local residents, businesses, government entities and the San Rafael de Leticia Hospital in the Colombian Amazonas are experiencing efficient, reliable and high-performing Internet connectivity as Colombian services provider SkyNet and SES Networks extended their partnership and increased network capacity within days to support COVID-19 mitigation efforts. ]]>