Military satellites could be refuelled in orbit

Life extension of the in-service SKYNET 5 military communications satellites would use in-orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing technologies, and any requirement for future defence satellites to be capable of refuelling will be considered on a capability-by-capability basis, according to an answer given in Parliament.

Olly Glover, the Liberal Democrat member for Didcot and Wantage, asked whether the Secretary of State will set out whether future defence satellites will be required to be refuelled.

Luke Pollard, Minister of State for Defence, said: “In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing was one of four prioritised sub-sectors in the UK’s National Space Strategy. As part of our Defence Investment Plan the life extension of the in-service SKYNET 5 military communications satellites, would utilise ISAM technologies. The Ministry of Defence continues to consider the potential benefits of emerging in-orbit servicing technologies, including satellite refuelling, which could enhance the resilience, flexibility and operational life of Defence space capabilities. Any requirement for future Defence satellites to be capable of refuelling would be considered on a capability-by-capability basis, taking account of operational requirements, technological maturity and value for money.”

A geostationary communications satellite spends most of its propellant on station keeping, nudging itself back into position against the pull of the sun and moon, and it dies when the tanks run dry even though the radios still work.

SKYNET 5 was launched between 2007 and 2012 and built by Airbus, carrying British secure military communications across most of the globe, and the fleet has already run well past its original design life. SKYNET 6A is under construction with Airbus for launch later this decade, and this publication reported when the contract was awarded, with the wider SKYNET Enduring Capability programme covering the ground segment and future spacecraft.