After 50 years of silence, the Skynet-1A satellite, launched in 1969 for the British military, has suddenly changed location. Instead of ending its existence in the so-called “orbital graveyard,” it has now mysteriously found itself in Earth orbit over North America. Probably someone gave the command to move it. There is a suggestion that the Americans may have done it.
Skynet-1A was placed in geostationary orbit over East Africa to provide communications for the British armed forces. It was planned to be sent to a distant point in space at the end of its operation to avoid possible collisions. But instead of passively drifting, the satellite, after receiving a mysterious command, moved to a new position 36,000 kilometers high, over North America. According to the BBC, it has a greater chance of colliding with space debris in this location.
BBC journalist Jonathan Amos, researching the history of the satellite, concluded that the Skynet-1A “relocation” took place back in the 1970s and probably with American involvement. The US-made Skynet-1A was first launched on a US Air Force Delta rocket and only after tests, it was handed over to the UK Royal Air Force for control. Documents show that control of the satellite was returned to the U.S. in June 1977.
Satellites in geostationary orbit usually remain stationary over a single point on Earth, so Skynet-1A’s current location over America is surprising. Such spent satellites should normally be lifted into an “orbital graveyard” to reduce collision risks, but this didn’t happen. The UK Ministry of Defense is now monitoring the satellite’s position, keeping an eye on the possible threat.
Losing control of space objects is a serious problem. Today, the U.S. controls more than 27,000 orbital debris objects, because every uncontrolled object can become a source of danger. Although it wasn’t a pressing issue in 1969, the orbital debris situation now requires companies and countries to carefully monitor the location of even long-dormant satellites.
Previously, we covered everything you wanted to know about satellites but were afraid to ask.
Provided by BBC
