EADS Astrium awarded a contract to Arianespace to launch the Skynet 5C satellite aboard an Ariane 5 rocket, EADS announced Jan. 4. Arianespace was selected in 2004 to launch Skynet 5A and Skynet 5B.

Skynet 5C is being built under an extension that Skynet operator Paradigm Secure Communications Ltd., a subsidiary of EADS Space Service, signed in December with the U.K. Ministry of Defense. Paradigm also is ordering the partial build of a fourth satellite, which will be held in reserve. The satellite will be completed if any of the first three satellites fail.

Skynet 5A is scheduled for launch in the second half of 2006, 5B in 2007 and 5C in 2008.