The Mystery Surrounding the UK’s Oldest Satellite: Who Moved Skynet-1A?
The UK’s oldest satellite, Skynet-1A, launched in 1969, has mysteriously changed its orbit without an official record of who commanded the move or why. Initially placed over Africa for military communication, Skynet-1A now hovers above the Americas, raising concerns about collisions with active satellites. Experts suggest it was likely repositioned during maintenance downtime by US forces. The lack of clarity around this maneuver underscores broader issues of space traffic management, emphasizing the evolving importance of sustainability in satellite operations. The UK Ministry of Defence continues to monitor its status to avoid potential dangers.