UK’s Oldest Satellite Mysteriously Moved, Leaving Experts Baffled
The UK’s oldest satellite, Skynet-1A, launched in 1969, has been moved to a location half a planet away from its original position, despite no record of who or why this occurred. While orbital mechanics make drifting unlikely, evidence suggests the satellite was deliberately moved in the 1970s, leaving a gap in the historical record of this national security asset. This movement has placed Skynet-1A in a “gravity well,” increasing the risk of collisions with other satellites, as it wanders near active traffic. While the lack of documentation surrounding the move is perplexing, the responsibility for this potentially hazardous situation still rests with the UK.
John Q. Hosedrinker