UK launches second Skynet 5 military satellite

The UK is due to continue the upgrade to its military satellite communications system with the launch of a new spacecraft later.

The Skynet 5B platform will ride into orbit atop an Ariane 5 rocket from the Kourou spaceport, in French Guiana.

It will join the 5A satellite lofted successfully in March and which is already handling secure traffic for UK forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The £3.6bn Skynet project represents the UK's single biggest space venture.

Source: BBC News

This represents the second military satellite launch this year, and forms part of a major update of Britain's communications abilities with its armed forces across the world.

By the way, don't read too much into the name (Skynet). It's been used as the name for British military satellites since the 1960s, well before the Terminator was released (not to mention that it's a completely different type of system).

That's what they want you to think!

Two ADDITIONAL satellites for communication? WOW! Everyone in the forces must be broadcasting 24/7.

That's all I'm saying.