UK queries industry over $1.9B Skynet Wideband Satellite System plan

Belfast: The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is feeling out industry interest in a new, big-dollar Wideband Satellite Systems (WSS) procurement under the wider Skynet Enduring Capability (SKEC) program designed to deliver next generation military space capabilities.

Under a pre-pre-qualification questionnaire (Pre-PQQ) published last week, London has called for eligible parties to identity support for the design, manufacture and launch operations of up to three wideband GEO satellite systems and associated ground equipment.

A contract of £1.5billion ($1.9 billion) is on offer and due to be awarded no later than Q4 2025. Applicants have until 28 June to respond to the Pre-PQQ.

According to the MoD, functionality requirements include X band, Mil-Ka band and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) broadcast communications payload capable of covering “multiple service areas”; secure telemetry, tracking and command capabilities using X, Mil-Ka and S-bands; Inter-satellite links for both communications payload traffic; nuclear radiation hardening with a “minimum life” of 15 years.

Together, the satellite systems and the procurement are known as the SKYNET Enduring Capability Wideband Satellite System (SKEC WSS), noted the MoD. The new satellites are to replace the “retiring fleet of MOD’s satellite communications capability” between 2028 and 2036.

SKEC WSS will specifically comprise two “space systems” known as EC1 and EC2, with the MoD retaining an option for a third (EC3) and a Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP).

Alongside the integration of multi-band military communications payloads, each EC space system will be linked to an EC ground system, which will include satellite and payload monitoring capabilities and control systems and simulators for training and mission rehearsals. LEOP mainly covers EC space system delivery from final assembly facility to launch site, contracting of a launch service provider and in-orbit testing and verification activities.

Combatant commanders may have units they have command authority over, but if they can’t talk to them and connect to them, they don’t have control. That’s what IoWT enables.

Request for industry input in SKEC WSS comes after London similarly opened a Pre-PQQ phase for procurement of a Narrowband Satellite System (SKEC NSS) in August 2022.

The UK MoD defines Skynet as a “family” of military communications satellites providing strategic communication services to UK armed forces. Skynet constellations are currently operated by Airbus Defence and Space.