SKYNET 5C (33055)

COSPAR: 2008-030A | Alt Name: Skynet 5C

Image
SKYNET 5C Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

June 12, 2008

Launch Site

FRGUI

Launch Pad

ELA3

Launch Vehicle

Ariane 5ECA

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

33055

International Designator

2008-030A

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:32:01 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

3.83°

Right Ascension

76.84°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

35.38°

Period

1436.11 min

Mean Motion

1.00 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

SKYNET 5C

Alternative Name

Skynet 5C

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

PARA

Country

United Kingdom

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 33055U 08030A   26185.14723704 -.00000130  00000-0  00000-0 0  9992
2 33055   3.8295  76.8445 0004402  35.3841 205.1423  1.00270937 66124

Source: Celestrak

Summary
SKYNET 5C, also known as Skynet 5C, is a military communication satellite owned by PARA and operated under a Eurostar 3000 configuration. Launched on June 12, 2008, from the ELA3 launch pad at Kourou Launch Site (FRGUI) using an Ariane 5ECA launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 2,170 kg and was manufactured by EADSB. The satellite's mission is to provide military communication services with a designed lifetime of 15 years. It measures 4.5 meters in length, 2.9 meters in diameter, and its solar arrays span 34 meters when deployed. Its power system consists of two deployable solar arrays and batteries, and it uses R-4D-15-375 motors for propulsion. The satellite has a shape described as "Box + 2 Pan" with an RCS (Reflectivity Coefficient Surface) value of 29.0999.
Physical Characteristics

Length

4.5

Diameter

2.9

Span

34

Dry Mass

2170

Launch Mass

4635

Shape

Box + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

29.0999

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Skynet 5C

Purpose

Military communication

Mission

Military communication

Manufacturer

EADSB

Life Expectancy

15 years

Bus

Eurostar 3000

Configuration

Eurostar-3000S

Motor

R-4D-15-375

Equipment

?

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

X Report 6 Oct 2025

X Report 6 Oct 2025

SpaceX gears up for its 11th Starship test flight, while Starlink expands connectivity through partnerships with T-Mobile, enhancing app functionality beyond cellular coverage.

How does Google Map's Satellite View Feature Work?

How does Google Map's Satellite View Feature Work?

Learn which satellites take photos and why we can't get updates instantly.

X Report 10 Apr 2025

X Report 10 Apr 2025

SpaceX gears up for multiple Falcon 9 launches, amidst challenges from Project Kuiper and environmental concerns.

Esrange Spaceport

Esrange Spaceport

Europe's bid to break free from the US launch monopoly. How Sweden's Esrange Space Center is transforming access to space, enabling orbital launches, and strengthening strategic independence for the continent.

X Report 10 Sep 2025

X Report 10 Sep 2025

SpaceX makes strides with United States national security satellites, securing substantial spectrum for Starlink's direct-to-cell services, and preparing for future Starship developments.

Starlink Powers Air Force One; Pentagon Orders 10,000 Cruise Missiles | KeepTrack Space Brief

Starlink Powers Air Force One; Pentagon Orders 10,000 Cruise Missiles | KeepTrack Space Brief

Starlink confirmed operational aboard Air Force One over Pacific. Pentagon awards 10,000 low-cost cruise missiles to 4 contractors under new LCCMP program.

Space Brief 28 Aug 2025

Space Brief 28 Aug 2025

Today's briefing covers collaborations enhancing defense capabilities, new satellite technologies entering the market, and strategic shifts in military satellite applications.

The Afternoon a Blurry Smudge Turned Pluto Into a Double Planet

The Afternoon a Blurry Smudge Turned Pluto Into a Double Planet

On 22 June 1978, an astronomer at the U.S. Naval Observatory looked at photographic plates that had been stamped 'image defective' and noticed a small bump on the side of Pluto. The bump was a moon, and finding it finally let astronomers weigh a planet that had fooled them for half a century.