§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence when each of the three Skynet IV satellites now ordered are expected to be launched.
§ Mr. Norman LamontSkynet 4A and 4B were expected to be launched on 24 June 1986 and in January 1987, respectively. No information is available about the extent of any delays that might arise as a result of the accident involving the United States shuttle "Challenger" on 28 January 1986. Skynet 4C is expected to be launched in late 1988 or early 1989.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked Secretary of State for Defence what is the operational requirement for each Skynet IV satellite.
§ Mr. Norman LamontThe operational requirement for all Skynet 4 satellites is to provide long range military communications for the armed forces.
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§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has any plans to order further Skynet IV or other military satellites.
§ Mr. Norman LamontLong term plans include provision for two further Skynet 4 satellites.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost of the third Skynet satellite ordered from British Aerospace in May 1985.
§ Mr. Norman LamontI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to him on 26 November 1985 at column564.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the expected launch costs of each Skynet IV satellite.
§ Mr. Norman LamontIt would not be appropriate to disclose this information as it could prejudice negotiations for the launch of Skynet 4C.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether it has yet been determined how each Skynet IV satellite will be launched.
§ Mr. Norman LamontSkynet 4A and 4B will be launched via the United States space transportation system, the shuttle. No decision has been made on the launcher for Skynet 4C.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration has been given by his Department to using the European Ariane launcher system for any Skynet IV launch.
§ Mr. Norman LamontFull consideration was given to using the European Ariane launcher system for Skynet 4A and 4B, and is currently being given to its possible use for Skynet 4C.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether a British payload specialist will t accompany all Skynet IV launches by space shuttle.
§ Mr. Norman LamontCurrent plans are that a British payload specialist will accompany the launch of both Skynet 4A and 4B by the United States space shuttle. No decision has been taken about British payload specialists accompanying any further Skynet IV satellites that may be launched by the shuttle.