Before Skynet became known as the artificial intelligence-controlled military satellite system from the Terminator films, it was a satellite launched by the UK military.
Launch and original mission
The satellite, designated Skynet-1A, launched in 1969 and was placed in orbit over the east coast of Africa. Its purpose was to monitor that region and transmit information to British armed forces.
Approximately 18 months after launch, the satellite experienced hardware issues. It was taken offline and left to orbit independently.
The mystery
According to satellite-system engineer Dr. Stewart Eves in a blog post, if Skynet-1A had failed at its operational location around 40 degrees East, it would be expected to oscillate by plus or minus 35 degrees either side of 75 degrees East.
However, according to the UK Registry, Skynet-1A is currently positioned very close to the bottom of the other well at 105 degrees West, oscillating by just a couple of degrees. This location is well outside its expected position.
Orbital mechanics
Experts have a thorough understanding of orbital behavior around Earth, making satellite positions relatively predictable. Calculations account for current location, direction, speed, and gravitational influences from Earth, the Moon, and Sun.
A satellite positioned significantly outside its expected location indicates something unexpected occurred. For Skynet-1A to be so far off course, the satellite’s navigational systems almost certainly moved it, though the reason remains unknown.
Complexity of ownership and control
The satellite belongs to the UK but was built by the USA. The US also participated in controlling it, which complicates efforts to trace when and why it went off course.
Rachel Hill, a PhD student from University College London, has been investigating the mystery. She recently spoke with the BBC about potential explanations.
A Skynet team from Oakhanger would travel to the USAF satellite facility in Sunnyvale, known as the Blue Cube, to operate Skynet during Oakout periods when control was temporarily transferred to the US while Oakhanger underwent essential maintenance. Hill suggested the move could have occurred during one of these periods, though no proof exists.
Future implications
The satellite will likely continue orbiting in its unexpected location until orbital decay causes it to pass through Earth’s atmosphere, where it should burn up.
However, in its unplanned orbital position, it could collide with other satellites or have components survive reentry and crash to the ground.
If such an event occurs, understanding why the satellite went off course will be critical to holding the appropriate parties accountable for any resulting damage.
