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Skynet 2A, 2B
Skynet 2A [Marconi]
The Skynet 2 satellites were built by Marconi Space and Defence Systems with assistance from Philco-Ford. They were spin-stablised and massed 240 kg. Skynet 2 used two communications channels, one at 20 MHz and the other at 2 MHz.
Skynet 2A was lost in an unsuccessful launch attempt in January, 1974. However, the spin-stabilized, 240 kg Skynet 2B was successfully orbited in November, 1974. Remarkably, Skynet 2B was still operating 20 years after it was launched.
| Nation: | UK |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Military communication |
| Operator: | MoD |
| Contractors: | Marconi Space and Defence Systems |
| Equipment: | ? |
| Configuration: | Skynet-2 Bus |
| Propulsion: | Star-24 |
| Power: | Solar cells (body mounted), batteries |
| Lifetime: | |
| Mass: | 243 kg (219 kg BOL) |
| Orbit: | GEO |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skynet 2A | 1974-002A | 19.01.1974 | CC LC-17B | P | Delta-2313 | |
| Skynet 2B | 1974-094A | 23.11.1974 | CC LC-17B | Delta-2313 |
References:
- Donald H. Martin: Communication Satellites, Aerospace Press, 1991, p 102-104
Further Skynet missions:
