[Satellite Today – 2-20-08] The Skynet 5B U.K. military space satellite has begun operations a month early, the U.K. Ministry of Defence announced Feb. 19.
    Skynet 5B provides increased capability for secure voice and data traffic and is the second of three satellites that will form a new constellation for military communications. Skynet 5A entered service in May, and Skynet 5C will serve as an in-orbit spare.
    Astrium subsidiary Paradigm Secure Communications is the prime contractor for the Skynet 5 program and holds a contract to operate the satellites until 2020 in order to provide communications services to the U.K. Ministry of Defense, NATO and other military customers.