Skynet-1A, a British satellite launched in 1969 and stopped working, caused confusion because it was not in the right position where Earth’s gravity pulled it down.
Simulation of the Skynet-1A satellite launched in 1969. Photo: BBC/Gerry Fletcher
Skynet-1A was once an important part of the UK telecommunications network. This 0.5 ton cylindrical satellite was launched to eastern Africa, operating in geostationary orbit and supporting military communications. After the satellite stopped working, gravity should have pulled it east, toward the Indian Ocean region. However, experts discovered that this satellite was flying over America at an altitude of 36,000 km, Interesting Engineering reported on November 13.
Skynet-1A’s current position is not the result of passive drift. According to BBCit is likely that the satellite received orders to activate its thrusters in the mid-1970s to move westward. The mystery is that it is unclear who gave this order and what the reason was.
“Currently the satellite is located in the ‘gravity well’ area at 105 degrees west longitude, moving back and forth like a marble rolling at the bottom of a bowl. Unfortunately, this causes it to frequently come close to other satellites,” said Dr. Dr. Stuart Eves, a space consultant, said.
Despite careful research, Eves could not find information about the last days of Skynet-1A. This satellite is of American origin, manufactured by the now-closed aerospace company Philco Ford. The satellite was also launched into space by the US Air Force’s Delta rocket in 1969. At that time, this was a turning point for British telecommunications, allowing secure military communications to places as far away as Singapore.
Initially, the US controlled Skynet-1A, tested British software, then transferred control to the British Royal Air Force (RAF). Some official documents show that control of the operation was transferred to the US in June 1977.
Skynet-1A should have been moved to the orbital graveyard, where old satellites do not pose a collision risk. However, it is now in an orbit where it could collide with active satellites, highlighting the dangers of space junk. The European Space Agency (ESA) estimates that there are 130 million pieces of space junk measuring 1 mm – 1 cm, more than 1,100,000 pieces of junk sized 1 – 10 cm and 40,500 pieces larger than 10 cm existing in the region. space around Earth.
The British Ministry of Defense is closely monitoring Skynet-1A. Other satellite operators were also warned of possible close contacts. However, the UK may need to consider proactively relocating satellites to a safer orbit to reduce the risk of collision.