The United Kingdom’s next-generation military communications satellite, Skynet 6A, has successfully completed the mating of its communication and service modules. The spacecraft, designed and built at Airbus facilities in Stevenage and Portsmouth, will provide vital communication services for the British Armed Forces. This significant milestone was achieved at the National Satellite Test Facility (NSTF) in Harwell, Oxfordshire. The NSTF is operated by RAL Space, a division of the Science and Technology Facilities Council. “This important program development will enable Airbus to complete the final basic testing at our Stevenage site, followed by environmental testing at the NSTF later this year", said Ben Bridge, President of Airbus Defence and Space UK.

Skynet 6A is the Ministry of Defence’s fully enhanced next-generation military satellite, offering a capacity three and a half times greater than the current UK Skynet 5 military satellites. It is expected to enter service in 2027. Airbus’ Skynet satellite program has provided sovereign capabilities to the UK military for the past 50 years. Building on this extensive national experience, the 6A spacecraft incorporates innovative new capabilities designed to meet the evolving requirements of the Armed Forces in the near future, according to an Airbus statement.

“This milestone represents a significant achievement for the Skynet 6 program and the UK space sector as a whole. Once operational, Skynet 6A will enhance and be critical to the military satellite communications capability of our Armed Forces, ensuring them world-class connectivity on a global scale", said Barry Austin, Programme Manager for Skynet at Defence Digital.

This is the first time a major geostationary (GEO) communications satellite has been mated in the UK. Skynet 6A is also the first spacecraft to utilize the new NSTF during RAL Space’s inaugural year of operations. Earlier this year, the 6A’s antennas were successfully tested at the NSTF’s electromagnetic compatibility laboratory.