Somebody moved UK's oldest satellite, and no-one knows who or why

In a surprising turn of events, the UK's oldest satellite, Skynet-1A, has been mysteriously relocated in space, and no one seems to know who did it or why. Launched in 1969, just a few months after humans first walked on the Moon, Skynet-1A was positioned high above the east coast of Africa to facilitate communication for British military forces. However, after a few years of operation, the satellite ceased functioning, and it was expected to drift eastward over the Indian Ocean due to gravity. Instead, it has ended up approximately 22,369 miles above the Americas, which raises many questions. According to Dr. Stuart Eves, a space consultant, it is highly unlikely that the half-ton military satellite simply drifted to its current location. It appears that someone commanded it to fire its thrusters in the mid-1970s, moving it westward. This leads to the pressing question: who had the authority to do this, and what was their purpose? While it is fascinating to ponder the mystery surrounding this once crucial national security asset, one might also wonder why it still matters today. After all, Skynet-1A is essentially space junk from over 50 years ago. Dr. Eves emphasizes that the situation is still relevant because the satellite is now in a 'gravity well' at 105 degrees West longitude, which means it is moving back and forth like a marble at the bottom of a bowl. This precarious position brings it dangerously close to other satellites, increasing the risk of collision. The Ministry of Defence has stated that Skynet-1A is continuously monitored by the UK's National Space Operations Centre. If there is a chance of a close encounter with another satellite, other operators are informed so they can take evasive action. Dr. Eves has searched through old satellite catalogs, the National Archives, and consulted with satellite experts worldwide, but he has found no clues regarding the satellite's end-of-life behavior. Some might be tempted to speculate about conspiracy theories, especially given the name 'Skynet,' which is famously associated with the self-aware artificial intelligence from the Terminator movies. However, there is no actual connection between the satellite and the fictional AI. What is known is that Skynet-1A was manufactured in the United States by the now-defunct Philco Ford aerospace company and launched into space by a US Air Force Delta rocket. Dr. Aaron Bateman, in a recent paper on the history of the Skynet program, noted that the first Skynet satellite revolutionized UK telecommunications, allowing secure communication between London and British forces as far away as Singapore. However, he pointed out that Skynet-1A was more American than British, as the United States built and launched it. Graham Davison, who operated Skynet-1A in the early 1970s, confirmed that the Americans initially controlled the satellite in orbit and tested the software before eventually handing over control to the RAF. There is speculation that the command to move Skynet-1A may have originated from the US Air Force's 'Blue Cube,' a facility where a Skynet team from Oakhanger would temporarily operate the satellite during maintenance. The official logs suggest that the Americans were in charge when the UK lost sight of the satellite in June 1977. Unfortunately, Skynet-1A was allowed to die in an awkward position instead of being moved to an 'orbital graveyard,' a designated area in space for defunct satellites. This practice is now standard, but in the 1970s, space sustainability was not a priority. As the space environment becomes increasingly crowded, the need for responsible management of space debris has become more urgent. At 105 degrees West longitude, active satellites may encounter pieces of junk within 50 kilometers of their position multiple times a day. While this may seem like a safe distance, the high speeds at which these objects travel make it a significant concern. The UK Space Agency is currently funding efforts to develop technologies to capture defunct satellites in lower orbits, and other countries have demonstrated the feasibility of snaring aging hardware in high orbits like that of Skynet-1A. Moriba Jah, a professor of aerospace engineering, warns that space debris poses a serious threat, likening it to 'ticking time bombs. ' He emphasizes the importance of preventing 'super-spreader events,' where collisions or explosions create thousands of new pieces of debris that could endanger operational satellites. The British government may need to consider removing Skynet-1A to a safer location, as the risks associated with space junk continue to grow.