Airbus: Skynet 6A Satellite reaches key assembly milestone in UK defence programme

Designed and built at Airbus sites in Stevenage and Portsmouth, Skynet 6A is set to provide advanced communications services for the UK’s armed forces. This represents the first time a large geostationary-orbit (GEO) communications satellite has been assembled in the UK.

“This significant development in the programme will allow Airbus to complete final baseline testing at our Stevenage site, followed by environmental testing back at NSTF later this year,” said Ben Bridge, Chairman of Airbus Defence and Space UK. “Skynet 6A is the next-generation, fully-hardened military satellite for the Ministry of Defence. It has three-and-a-half times the capacity of the UK’s current Skynet 5 military satellites and is due to enter service in 2027.”

The milestone reinforces the UK’s long-standing sovereign capability in satellite communications, with Airbus having supported the Ministry of Defence for over five decades. The 6A spacecraft builds on this heritage, incorporating innovative technologies to meet evolving operational demands.

Barry Austin, Skynet Programme Manager at Defence Digital, said: “Congratulations to Airbus Defence and Space, RAL Space and the MOD project team on achieving this impressive milestone. This marks a significant achievement for the Skynet 6 programme and the UK space sector as a whole. Once operational, Skynet 6A will enhance and be critical to our Armed Forces’ military satellite communications capability and ensure they continue to receive world-class connectivity globally.”

The NSTF, operated by the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s RAL Space, hosted the milestone integration as part of its first year of operation. Earlier in the year, Skynet 6A’s antennas underwent successful testing in the facility’s electromagnetic compatibility chamber.

Sean Stewart, Head of Environmental Test at RAL Space, stated: “Welcoming our first customers represents a significant achievement for the NSTF, and we are proud to support Airbus with the integration and testing of Skynet 6A. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of all involved and marks an exciting step for the UK as we prepare to host many more satellites of this scale.”