Skynet 6 Programme -
: The transition to the Skynet Service Continuity Contract was successfully completed in early 2024 to bridge the gap during the rollout of new capabilities.
The Skynet 6 programme features a range of advanced technologies and capabilities, including:
Looking toward 2035, Skynet 6D will likely look nothing like a traditional satellite. skynet 6 programme
The programme is more than just a single satellite; it is a multi-billion pound transformation of the UK's space infrastructure.
secure, long-range communications for the UK Armed Forces. Enhance bandwidth for data-heavy modern military tech. Ensure the UK remains a leading "space power." Support the domestic aerospace and defense industry. If you'd like to dive deeper into this topic, I can: Detail the technical specs of the 6A satellite. Explain the Babcock vs. Airbus roles in the project. Compare Skynet to the U.S. WGS system . : The transition to the Skynet Service Continuity
However, as the threat landscape continues to evolve and the demands on military communications grow, the MOD recognized the need for a more advanced and capable system. This led to the initiation of the Skynet 6 programme, which aims to provide a next-generation communication network that can meet the complex and dynamic requirements of modern military operations.
The threat is now hypersonic missiles that can target GEO satellites, and directed energy weapons (lasers) on the ground. Skynet 6’s multi-orbit design is a direct response: if you kill the GEO bird, the LEO swarm reroutes traffic. If you jam one frequency, the software switches to another. secure, long-range communications for the UK Armed Forces
: The Skynet 6A communications and service modules were successfully coupled at the National Satellite Test Facility in Harwell.
The original plan for Skynet 6A was a launch in 2028. In 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the demonstrated vulnerability of commercial satellite networks (the Viasat cyberattack that disabled modems in Ukraine), the MOD accelerated the programme.
Like its predecessors, Skynet 6 is hardened against electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and radiation. It uses nulling antennas to "silence" jamming signals. In a peer conflict with Russia or China, this resilience is non-negotiable.
