Orbital Traffic All objects

Geostationary

SKYNET 5C

Military Communications · Airbus / UK MoD (PFI)

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The third Skynet-5 satellite, extending the UK's military communications constellation and providing capacity for allied NATO nations. Skynet-5C carries additional EHF payload for the most jam-resistant links — channels reserved for nuclear and strategic command communications. Its EHF capability gives the UK one of the few independent protected nuclear communications satellite systems outside the US.

Its orbit

Orbit
Geostationaryappears to hang motionless over one spot on the equator
Altitude
22,229–22,255 mi (35,774–35,816 km)
Inclination
4.0°
One orbit
23.9 hoursabout one orbit a day
NORAD ID
33055
Int’l designator
2008-030A
Launched
2008

Orbital elements from CelesTrak, as of 22 Sep 2026.

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