Skynet 5D

Skynet 5D is a military communications satellite operated by Airbus Defence and Space on behalf of the British Ministry of Defence. It was the last of four Skynet 5 satellites to be launched.

Skynet 5D

A CGI impression of Skynet 5D in orbit
Mission type	Military communications
Operator	Astrium Services On behalf of British Ministry of Defence
COSPAR ID	2012-075A
SATCAT no.	39034
Mission duration	15 years
Spacecraft properties
Bus	Eurostar 3000S
Manufacturer	Astrium
Launch mass	4,800 kilograms (10,600 lb)
Start of mission
Launch date	19 December 2012, 21:49 (2012-12-19UTC21:49Z) UTC
Rocket	Ariane 5ECA VA211
Launch site	Kourou ELA-3
Contractor	Arianespace
Orbital parameters
Reference system	Geocentric
Regime	Geostationary
Longitude	53° East

Spacecraft

The Skynet 5D spacecraft was constructed by Astrium, based on the Eurostar 3000S satellite bus. It had a mass at launch of approximately 4,800 kilograms (10,600 lb), and is designed to operate for at least 15 years.^[1] Its 34-metre (112 ft) solar arrays will generate a minimum of 6 kilowatts^[2] to power its UHF and X-band communications systems. The satellite's payload includes jamming countermeasures.^[3]

The Ministry of Defence described the satellite as having a "key role in gathering intelligence on operations", as well as communications.^[4]

Launch

Skynet 5D was launched by an Ariane 5ECA carrier rocket flying from ELA-3 at Kourou. The launch occurred at 21:49 UTC on 19 December 2012.^[5] Skynet 5D was one of two satellites aboard the rocket, the other being Mexsat Bicentenario, which was located below it; Skynet 5D was mounted atop a Sylda 5 adaptor.^[2]

Orbit

The launch placed Skynet 5D into a geosynchronous transfer orbit, from which was planned to raise itself into geostationary orbit.^[5] The spacecraft was expected to be placed at a longitude of 25 degrees East.^[2]