[Satellite TODAY 10-11-10] Paradigm, a subsidiary of Astrium Services, signed a contract with the U.K. Ministry of Defence (MoD) to extend the Skynet 5 private finance initiative (PFI) program, including the addition of a fourth satellite, the company announced March 9.
   Paradigm operates the three Skynet 5 satellites to provide secure communications for the Ministry of Defence. Paradigm’s contract to operate the constellation was extended two years until 2022.
   The fourth satellite, Skynet 5D, will be added to the constellation in 2013 and will enable Paradigm to increase the communications capability for coalition and allied forces in regional hotspots.
   “The Skynet 5 program was a pioneering step in the provision of milsatcoms via a commercial operator,” Eric Béranger, CEO of Astrium Services, said in a statement. “In the past six years we have not only met the exacting requirements of U.K. [Ministry of Defence] but have also provided a comprehensive and flexible service to allied nations worldwide. The demand for a fourth Skynet 5 satellite demonstrates the growing global demand for the services we can offer and proves that we have successfully implemented a truly innovative approach to milsatcom procurement.”