Arianespace to launch Australian satellite Optus 10

Paul O'Sullivan, Optus Chief Executive, and Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, announced today in Sydney, Australia that the Optus 10 satellite would be launched into geostationary transfer orbit mid-2013 by an Ariane 5 from the Guiana Space Center, Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

This latest contract, the eighth communications satellite launch contract signed by Arianespace in 2011, shows that Arianespace's launch Service & Solutions match the requirements of today's satellite operators.

Optus 10 will be the sixth satellite launched by Arianespace for the Australian operator. Arianespace first launched Aussat A3 in 1987, followed by Optus C1 in 2003 and Optus D1, D2 and D3 in 2006, 2007 and 2009, respectively. SingTel, the parent company of Optus, also chose Arianespace to launch its ST-1 and ST-2 satellites, in 1998 and 2011.

The Optus 10 satellite is being built by Space Systems/Loral in Palo Alto, California, using an SS/L 1300 platform. It will weigh about 3,200 kg at launch, and is fitted with 24 Ku-band transponders. It is designed to provide direct TV broadcast, internet connectivity, telephone and data transmission services for Australia and New Zealand. Optus 10 offers a design life of 15 years.

“We’re looking forward to Optus 10 joining the five satellites we currently have in orbit, ensuring that we maintain our leadership in providing high quality and resilient satellite services for Australia and New Zealand. With Arianespace as our launch partner, we have an experienced and proven team ensuring that Optus 10 sees its way successfully into orbit” said Mr. O'Sullivan.

"We are proud to have once again been chosen to launch a satellite for SingTel Optus," added Jean-Yves Le Gall. “Over the last decade this major Asia-Pacific operator has entrusted us with all of their satellites, clearly showing that our launch service offering addresses today's evolving market needs”.

About Arianespace

Arianespace is the world’s leading launch service & solutions company, providing innovation to its customers since 1980. Backed by 21 shareholders and the European Space Agency, Arianespace offers an international workforce renowned for a culture of commitment and excellence. As of October 31, 2011, Arianespace had launched a total of 298 payloads with Ariane launchers, had successfully launched the first Soyuz at the Guiana Space Center and was preparing the first launch of Vega. It has a backlog of 20 Ariane 5 and 16 Soyuz launches, equal to more than three years of business.


Source: Sydney, Australia, October 31, 2011 - http://www.arianespace.com

Photo: image courtesy of Singtel Optus

- Optus 10 will be designed and manufactured by Space Systems / Loral for Singtel Optus.(http://www.aerospace-technology.com)

- Optus' Belrose satellite facility (http://www.arnnet.com.au) Optus lifts-off with 10th satellite.
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(21.11.2011)