Stevenage, UK – 20 May 2025 — A new era in British military communications has taken a significant step forward as Airbus successfully completed the coupling of the communications and service modules for the UK’s next-generation satellite, Skynet 6A.
The satellite, built across Airbus’ facilities in Stevenage and Portsmouth, represents the most advanced platform yet in the long-running Skynet programme. The integration milestone took place at the state-of-the-art National Satellite Test Facility (NSTF) in Harwell, Oxfordshire—marking the first time a large geostationary orbit (GEO) communications satellite has been coupled 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 satellites and is due to enter service in 2027.”
With a legacy spanning 50 years, the Skynet programme has delivered sovereign satellite communications to the UK’s armed forces. Skynet 6A continues this tradition, introducing enhanced capabilities and future-focused technology to meet the evolving demands of global defence operations.
Barry Austin, Skynet Programme Manager at Defence Digital, emphasised the wider significance of the achievement: “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’ satellite communications capability and ensure they continue to receive world-class connectivity globally.”
Skynet 6A is the first spacecraft to undergo integration at the NSTF, which is operated by RAL Space, part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council. The satellite’s antennas were previously tested in the NSTF’s electromagnetic compatibility facility earlier this year.
“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,” said Sean Stewart, Head of Environmental Test at RAL Space. “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.”
Skynet 6A is expected to enter service in 2027, strengthening the UK’s military satellite communications infrastructure and reinforcing the country’s leadership in sovereign space capability.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: AIRBUS
