[Satellite TODAY 05-20-10] EADS Astrium has contracted Arianespace to launch the Skynet 5D on an Ariane 5 rocket in the first half of 2013, the launch company announced May 19.
    Skynet 5D aims to provide secure X-band communications services to the British armed forces, NATO, other European countries, the United States and Australia.
    The satellite is based on Astrium’s Eurostar E-3000 LX platform. Arianespace has already launched the Skynet 4B, 4C, 4E and 4F satellites for the British Ministry of Defense and has been chosen by Astrium to launch the Skynet 5A, 5B and 5C satellites.
    Financial details of the launch contract were not disclosed.