AAP General News (Australia)
08-22-2009
FED: Optus launches latest Australian satellite
SYDNEY, Aug 22 AAP - Australia's latest satellite has rocketed into space after the
Optus D3 successfully lifted off from French Guiana.
The Ariane 5 rocket, operated by Arianespace, lifted off from Kourou, French Guiana,
at 8.08am (AEST) on Saturday.
Optus D3 will expand the telecommunications company's satellite technology by providing
redundant capabilities and expanded capacity for subscription television, free-to-air
TV and voice, internet and radio services.
It is the fifth Optus satellite to be launched into space since 1994 and was on board
with a Japanese satellite on Saturday.
The Optus D3 and its two predecessors cost an estimated $600 million.
The satellite will take a few days to assume its orbit of 35,000km above Australia.
It will then undergo two months of tests before it commences commercial operations.
Optus wholesale and satellite managing director Vicki Brady said the launch marked
another advancement in Australia's space technology.
"Our successful launch this morning represents the next advance into space by Australians
as well as being an exciting milestone for Optus Satellite," Ms Brady said in a statement.
Arianespace is a joint commercial space agency between France and other European nations
and is responsible for more than half of the commercial satellites currently in operation.
AAP vpm/sn/de
KEYWORD: SATELLITE
2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
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