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Paradigm, a subsidiary of EADS Astrium, and its partners is marking a new era in global, secure satellite communications with Skynet 5A entering full service in orbit.
Following its launch on an Ariane 5 launcher on 11 March from Kourou, French Guiana, Skynet 5A completed its comprehensive testing programme on schedule and is now in full service at its geostationary orbit position at 1° West. Skynet 5A is the first of three satellites that will form a new constellation to meet the UK MoD’s milsatcoms requirements until 2020. One of the three satellites will be an in-orbit spare, to guard against satellite loss.
Skynet 5 is the groundbreaking next generation military satellite communications programme to provide end-to-end, resilient, secure Beyond Line of Site communications services, including welfare, to the UK MoD and other non-UK MoD and multinational customers until 2020.
The Skynet programme is underpinned by effective partnering between the MoD and industry. Paradigm, Astrium Satellites, Serco, LogicaCMG, EADS DS and the MoD have worked together to make the project a success for all the stakeholders.
EADS DS, based in Newport, Wales, has provided the networking capability, high level cryptography, key management system, and voice and data internet protocols.
Ian Griffiths, Director of Fixed Infrastructure and project leader at EADS DS said: “This is the first of a number of large programmes in which Newport based EADS DS is a significant partner. We have attracted a lot of intellectual capital to the area in the science and technology arena and have grown three-fold to become a major player in South Wales. We hope to continue this with the support we receive from the Welsh Assembly Government.
“The Skynet 5A project is a key step for EADS because it illustrates exactly what EADS as a whole can achieve when we bring together our significant expertise and experience.”
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The programme provides delivery of information services between the UK’s Defence Fixed Network and in-theatre networks and users. Secure communications services will be delivered by the owner and operator - Paradigm Secure Communications with the system, including the satellites, designed and built by Astrium Satellites. Both companies are wholly owned by Astrium, a subsidiary of EADS, European Aeronautic Defence and Space company.
The MoD contract, which is now worth £3.6 billion was placed with Paradigm in October 2003. It is the UK MoD’s largest and most complex PFI contract to date. The deal was restructured at the end of 2005 exploiting the opportunity of risk retirement and better financial conditions, resulting in the addition of a third satellite.
Skynet 5A is the first of a three satellite constellation heralding a new era in military communications and will be the highest power X-Band satellite in orbit. Built to support the most challenging missions Skynet 5A is nuclear and laser hardened to demanding NATO Standards.
The world leading anti-jamming antenna is extremely effective against hostile or non-hostile interference. All transmit beams are steerable and the active antenna forms multiple complex receive beam patterns to maximise terminal performance.
Paradigm will operate the latest state-of-the-art military X-Band satellites and an extensive ground infrastructure from sites in Wiltshire and Hampshire.
In addition to complete X-Band packages, Paradigm is able to offer capacity, coverage augmentation, anchoring and back-haul services, as well as terminal leasing.
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The Skynet 5A project is a key step for us because it illustrates exactly what EADS as a whole can achieve when we bring
together our significant expertise and
experience.”
Ian Griffiths
Account Director, EADS DS |
Paradigm is currently providing services to support UK MoD operations and welfare in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans. Welfare services include free messages between UK military personnel deployed on operations and their families at home. In addition, Paradigm is also providing services to NATO, France, Germany, Canada, Portugal and Netherlands.
The full entry into service of Skynet 5A marks another key milestone achieved by Paradigm on the Skynet programme. Paradigm is already delivering mission critical services to military personnel, in an exemplary partnering environment.
Malcolm Peto, Managing Director of Paradigm Secure Communications, said: “We are all very proud of this tremendous achievement. We have taken a concept and turned it into reality. Skynet 5A is the end of the beginning for this unique and highly complex programme. We intend to continually exceed the expectation of our military customers. We are entirely focussed on delivering high quality services to armed forces around the world, wherever and whenever they need them.”
Paradigm Secure Communications has a contract worth around £3.6bn with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the provision of military satellite communications services to 2020, following restructuring of the contract at the end of 2005, to allow for placing a ‘spare’ satellite in orbit. The programme, procured as a Private Finance Initiative (PFI), will provide the next generation of UK |
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