Third British Built Communications Satellite Will Go Into Orbit

MILITARY COMMUNICATIONS

London, UK (SPX) Dec 27, 2005
The Armed Forces will be able to rely on a third British built communications satellite as part of the SKYNET 5 PFI contract, Defence Procurement Minister Lord Drayson announced today. The change will see the placing of three high-tech satellites in orbit instead of the original two, with the additional satellite providing 'back-up' for the system.

The Armed Forces will be able to rely on a third British built communications satellite as part of the SKYNET 5 PFI contract, Defence Procurement Minister Lord Drayson announced today.

The change will see the placing of three high-tech satellites in orbit instead of the original two, with the additional satellite providing 'back-up' for the system.

The contract period for the Skynet 5 programme, which will deliver the next generation of military satellite communications to our forces across the globe, will be extended from 2018 to at least 2020 providing better value for money. The revamped contract will ensure around 300 high tech jobs in the UK are safeguarded with costs for the extended capability essentially being met by savings from insurance costs and deferring the introduction of any subsequent systems.

Lord Drayson said: "The original deal with Paradigm Secure Communications included money for 'space insurance' to protect against technical problems in the launch phase or outer space, but because of current trends in the space insurance market and its unpredictability over long periods of time, we have decided that agreeing to the company providing a third satellite as a spare provides for better value for money.

"The new deal is an excellent example of the innovative approach the Defence Industrial Strategy aims to encourage in an already successful programme. We are providing our Armed Forces with an even better long term communication service deal than the excellent one that is already available.

"The new deal has been built on effective partnering and demonstrates how well the MoD and industry can work together over time under the Private Finance Initiative to deliver the best services for the Armed Forces, whilst at the same time increasing value for money for the tax payer."

One of the three satellites will assume the role of an in-orbit spare providing a better risk balance approach. In case one of the three satellites is lost during the launch phase, which completes at the end of 2008, the new deal also allows for the part build of a fourth satellite in reserve. If a loss occurs the fourth satellite will automatically be built and launched to ensure continuation of the three satellite approach.

The programme achieved its In Service Date a month ahead of schedule in February 2005.

MILITARY COMMUNICATIONS

Transforming Space Conference Launched

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 20, 2005
Jointly sponsored by the California Space Authority and the California Space Education and Workforce Institute, the "Transforming Space: California Innovation, Infrastructure and Intellectual Capital" conference highlighted the state's tremendous accomplishments in the three sectors of space - national security, civil and commercial and space-related education.

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