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Australia's Satellites & Programs > Optus D1
Optus D1 [OSC]
The two satellites of the Optus-D series will be based on Orbital's Star-2 platform and will carry 24 Ku-band transponders, with 8 back-up channels also available, to provide fixed communications and direct television broadcasting services to Australia and New Zealand. The first satellite, D-1, will generate approximately 4.0 kilowatts of electrical power and is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2005. The second satellite, D-2, will generate approximately 4.7 kilowatts of power and is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2006. Financial details of the contract were not released.
Satellite Details
| Type / Application: | Communication |
| Operator: | Optus Networks, Pty. |
| Contractors: | Orbital Sciences Corporation (OSC) |
| Equipment: | 24 (+8) Ku-band transponders |
| Configuration: | Star-2 Bus |
| Propulsion: | NA |
| Mass: | 2164 kg (#D1); 2401 kg (#D2) |
| Orbit: | GEO |
Launch Details
| Satellite | Date | LS | Launcher |
| Optus D1 | 2005 | Ko ELA-3 | Ariane-5 |
| Optus D2 | 2007 | Ko | Soyuz-ST Fregat |