EADS Astrium is the System Prime Contractor for the Skynet 5 System, provided to Paradigm Secure Communications Ltd. under the PFI project requirements. The EADS Astrium contract includes the provision of two new Skynet 5 satellites (delivered in orbit), upgrades to the existing Skynet 4 ground segment, provision of 59 land terminals and upgrades to the satellite terminal equipment on 36 ships. The system will be managed by a sophisticated suite of satcom software (to be developed by Logica) that ensures flexible and rapid management of assets from a central location. To support the wide range of Communications services offered by Paradigm, EADS Telecom (formerly Cogent) is providing the baseband systems at the boundary of the Skynet 5 System.

EADS Astrium has vast experience in the design and manufacture of leading-edge spacecraft systems and their associated ground segment, providing total capability for military satellite communications. EADS Astrium is a wholly owned part of EADS, the European Aeronautic Defence & Space company. In 2000 EADS Astrium had a combined turnover of over £1.25 billion, covering science and Earth observation, military observation and communications, telecommunications, navigation and ground systems, launchers and orbital infrastructure. The Company employs over 8,000 people in the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Spain.

For further information, go to System Overview or www.astrium.eads.net