SKYNET 6A, part of the UK’s next-generation military satellite communication system, has successfully completed its initial phase of rigorous testing. The test was completed at the newly established, government-funded National Satellite Test Facility (NSTF) in Harwell, Oxfordshire.

SKYNET 6 – a programme co-sponsored by Strategic Command and UK Space Command – is designed to provide robust and reliable satellite communication (SATCOM) to UK and allied forces globally, ensuring “battlefield information advantage anywhere, anytime.”

The testing at the state-of-the-art NSTF focused on ensuring SKYNET 6A’s resilience to the harsh conditions of launch and space. This included assessments of electromagnetic compatibility, extreme temperature tolerance, and vibration resistance. 

The successful completion of this phase is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Airbus Defence and Space UK, the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) RAL Space, and the Ministry of Defence (MOD). Further testing of the completed satellite will be conducted at the facility throughout the year, guaranteeing its “long-term functionality and reliability once it’s launched into orbit.”

Jason Gnaneswaran, Senior Responsible Owner for SKYNET 6, commented: “The SKYNET 6 programme will ensure our deployed forces have world-leading communications abilities on demand, whether on the battlefield, onboard a ship, or in the air.

“This milestone in testing is a huge achievement for the Ministry of Defence and RAL Space and is a crucial step in guaranteeing the delivery and long-term functionality of SKYNET 6a. It also highlights the success of the broader SKYNET enterprise and the value of close collaboration with our industry and cross-government partners.”

Scheduled for launch in 2026, SKYNET 6A will be the first SKYNET military communications satellite to be entirely designed, built, and tested within the UK. This achievement underscores the nation’s growing expertise and self-reliance in the space sector.

Equipped with the latest advancements in digital processing and radio frequency spectrum utilisation, the satellite promises greater capacity and versatility compared to its predecessors. It will provide secure and reliable communications for at least 15 years, supporting a wide range of military activities across all operational domains.

The project also delivers significant economic benefits, directly sustaining 550 highly skilled jobs across the UK, including in Stevenage, Corsham, and Portsmouth. The NSTF itself is expected to attract further investment and new businesses to the Harwell Campus, which already hosts over 100 local and international space organisations.

Dr Barbara Ghinelli, Director for the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s Innovation Clusters and for the Harwell Campus, said: “By supporting pioneering projects like SKYNET 6A, the facility is helping to accelerate the UK’s journey towards the commercialisation of space and further strengthening our clusters as global hubs for innovation.

“Our unique combination of facilities and expertise supports businesses across the UK, and we are excited to enable more dual-use application of our capabilities through programmes like SKYNET 6 and the Regional Defence and Security Clusters.”

SKYNET continues to be a critical component of the UK’s military satellite communication infrastructure, supporting “whole force integration which ensures the armed forces remain connected and informed wherever they operate.”

(Imagery credit: UK Ministry of Defence under MOD Crown copyright)

See also: Eutelsat, MediaTek, and Airbus trial 5G NTN satellite connectivity

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