Matra Marconi Space (MMS) and Lockheed Martin-led teams have been chosen to conduct design studies for the UK Ministry of Defence Skynet 5 military communications satellite.
The studies will focus on the procurement of the system through a private finance initiative, which will require the winning team to develop, launch and operate the Skynet 5, providing services to the MoD.
MMS has already established a Skynet 5 company - Paradigm Secure Communications - comprising Cogent, Logica, Motorola, System Engineering Assessment and TRW.
Lockheed Martin's partners include British Telecom Defence and British Aerospace Defence Systems. The first of up to four Skynet 5s are scheduled to be launched in 2005.
Source: Flight International