page_title: Skynet (satellite)
hierarchical_section_title: Skynet (satellite)
caption_attribution_description: A British Skynet communications satellite was launched from Cape kennedy's Complex 17 at 7:37 p.m. EST today by the KSC Unmanned Launch Operations organization. The satellite is to enter a synchronous orbit 22,500 miles above the Earth over the Indian Ocean off the East Coast of Africa. It is the first of two satellites to be orbited to provide Great Britain with a secure communications link between points as far apart as England and Singapore.
context_page_description: Skynet is a family of military communications satellites, now operated by Airbus Defence and Space on behalf of the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence, which provide strategic communication services to the three branches of the British Armed Forces and to NATO forces engaged on coalition tasks. The Skynet 1 to 4 series were operated by the Royal Air Force until 2003, and subsequently operated with Skynet 5 by Paradigm Secure Communications until October 2012 when the organisation was rebranded to Astrium Services.
context_section_description: Skynet is a family of military communications satellites, now operated by Airbus Defence and Space on behalf of the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence, which provide strategic communication services to the three branches of the British Armed Forces and to NATO forces engaged on coalition tasks. The Skynet 1 to 4 series were operated by the Royal Air Force until 2003, and subsequently operated with Skynet 5 by Paradigm Secure Communications until October 2012 when the organisation was rebranded to Astrium Services.
caption: Launch of the first Skynet satellite, Skynet 1A, by Delta rocket in 1969 from Cape Canaveral
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