The anxiety of losing something crucial can feel like a knot in your stomach, but imagine if that key item was a satellite.
Scientists are puzzled after discovering a satellite that has inexplicably moved halfway across the planet.
The UK’s oldest satellite, Skynet-1A, launched in 1969 shortly after the Moon landing, was originally stationed over Africa’s east coast to facilitate communication for British military operations.
After ceasing functionality a few years post-launch, it was assumed the satellite would drift eastward over the Indian Ocean due to gravitational forces. However, it is now positioned 22,369 miles above the Americas.
The satellite’s current location seems too far removed to be a mere result of natural orbital drift. It is suspected the satellite’s thrusters may have been activated in the mid-1970s to reposition it to the west.
The lingering mystery is who initiated this course change and for what purpose?
Scientists have embarked on a mission to uncover the reasons behind the satellite’s unexplained journey.
Astronomers have proposed various theories about how Skynet-1A reached its current location.
Space consultant Dr. Stuart Eves shared with the BBC, “Whoever did move Skynet-1A did us few favors.”
“It’s now in what we call a ‘gravity well’ at 105 degrees West longitude, wandering backwards and forwards like a marble at the bottom of a bowl. And unfortunately, this brings it close to other satellite traffic on a regular basis.”
“Because it’s dead, the risk is it might bump into something, and because it’s ‘our’ satellite we’re still responsible for it.”
Despite delving into historical satellite records, the National Archives, and consulting with satellite professionals globally, Dr. Eves remains stumped by this space enigma.
Rachel Hill, a PhD researcher at University College London, hinted at a possible explanation: “A Skynet team from Oakhanger would go to the USAF satellite facility in Sunnyvale (colloquially known as the Blue Cube) and operate Skynet during ‘Oakout’.
“This was when control was temporarily transferred to the US while Oakhanger was down for essential maintenance. Perhaps the move could have happened then?”
Incomplete records of the satellite’s operations indicate its last commands were under American control when Oakhanger lost track of it in June 1977.
Concerns are mounting over Skynet-1A’s current orbit and the potential risk of collision, which could result in significant debris.
Nevertheless, the Ministry of Defence assures that Skynet-1A is continually monitored by the UK’s National Space Operations Centre.
The mystery remains unresolved…