[Satellite Today – 6-13-08] Arianespace lofted the Skynet 5C and Turksat 3A satellites into orbit June 12, Arianespace’s third launch in 2008.
    Skynet 5C, launched on behalf of Astrium, completes a military series of satellites intended to provide improved communications to the U.K. Ministry of Defence and its allies. Paradigm, an Astrium Services company, will provide secure telecom services to the British armed forces, NATO and other countries which already use the Skynet military communications satellites.
    Turksat 3A, built by Thales Alenia Space, will be operated by Turksat AS. Fitted with 24 Ku-band transponders, Turksat 3A will deliver communications services as well as TV broadcasts in Europe, Turkey and Central Asia.
This was the third of seven missions Arianespace has scheduled in 2008. The next mission, scheduled for July 4, will carry the ProtoStar 1 and Badr-6 satellites.