Date of launch (location):
Jan. 18, 1974 (ETR)
Launch vehicle:
Delta 2313
Weight (kg):
435
Shape:
Cylindrical with antenna mounted on
one end
Dimensions (m):
1.90 diameter
2.09 height
Power source:
Solar cells plus NiCd
batteries
NASA's role:
Launch vehicle (reimbursable)
Cooperating organizations:
NASA and the United Kingdom
Responsible NASA center:
Goddard Space Flight Center
Project manager:
Robert Goss
Prime contractor:
Marconi Space and Defense Systems,
Ltd.
Objectives:
To provide military communications
support as part of the Initial Defense Communications
Satellite Program/Augmented (U.K.); serve as the Indian
Ocean link in the system; second-generation Skynet satellite
design.
Results:
Unsuccessful; second stage of the
launch vehicle failed.
Reference: NASA, "Skynet IIA Mission Operations Report," S-890-74-03, Jan. 8, 1974.