British military launches Skynet 5A satellite
After a previous brief delay, the British military has launched a satellite into space, aiming to obtain secure, high-band with communications for UK and allied forces. Called Skynet 5A, this spacecraft is the first in what will eventually be a three-satellite constellation designed to allow the Army, Royal Navy and RAF to pass more data, faster between command centers.
Developers of the satellite believe that Skynet 5A is going to provide five times the capacity that UK’s previous system has provided, and allow the military to do things they just haven’t been able to do in the past. Skynet 5A performs just as well as the best modern satellite platforms, but it had been prepared specifically for military use.
The satellite allows the production of peaks of reception across the surface of the Earth, and to change that antenna pattern in extremely rapid time. Analysts talk increasingly of the military’s “network enabled capability” – the idea that information and fast access to it are paramount.
With this satellite on space, its controllers are surely sitting smug in power. After all, modern warfare is all about information, something which Skynet 5A can certainly provide.
Via BBC News
After a previous brief delay, the British military has launched a satellite into space, aiming to obtain secure, high-band with communications for UK and allied forces. Called Skynet 5A, this spacecraft is the first in what will eventually be a three-satellite constellation designed to allow the Army, Royal Navy and RAF to pass more data, faster between command centers.
Developers of the satellite believe that Skynet 5A is going to provide five times the capacity that UK’s previous system has provided, and allow the military to do things they just haven’t been able to do in the past. Skynet 5A performs just as well as the best modern satellite platforms, but it had been prepared specifically for military use.
The satellite allows the production of peaks of reception across the surface of the Earth, and to change that antenna pattern in extremely rapid time. Analysts talk increasingly of the military’s “network enabled capability” – the idea that information and fast access to it are paramount.
With this satellite on space, its controllers are surely sitting smug in power. After all, modern warfare is all about information, something which Skynet 5A can certainly provide.
Via BBC News