🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Skynet IA
Retired 1972Skynet IA (NORAD 4250, COSPAR 1969-101A) is a retired UK satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Mar 1972, launched on 22 Nov 1969 on the Skynet IA mission. It was operated by MOD as part of the Skynet programme. The spacecraft was built by PHFO on the Skynet bus, with a mass of 118 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1969
launched
1972
retired
57
years on orbit
118
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched22 Nov 1969 · on the Skynet IA mission
Operational1 Mar 1972 · entered service
Retired1 Mar 1972 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID4250
COSPAR1969-101A
TypeSatellite
OperatorMOD
Country / StateUK
ManufacturerPHFO
BusSkynet
Mass118 kg (107 kg dry)
ProgrammeSkynet
CategoryCOM
OrbitGEO (GEO/S)
Altitude35,791 × 35,796 km
Inclination2.3°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Skynet IA?
Skynet IA was retired from service around 1 Mar 1972 after launching in 1969. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built Skynet IA?
Skynet IA was operated by MOD and built by PHFO (UK).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.