Orbital Optus D2 - Manual

Communications
Mission Description
Built for Australia-based Optus Networks Pty Limited, the Optus D-Series satellites provide Ku-band
fixed communications and direct television broadcasting services to Australia and New Zealand. The
Orbital-built satellites satisfy Optus' need to replace aging on-orbit spacecraft as well as satisfy higher
than anticipated demand for access to their C1 satellite. D1 was launched in October 2006 and
replaced the Optus B1 satellite at 160 degrees East Longitude; D2 was launched in October 2007 and
replaced the Optus B3 satellite at 152 degrees East Longitude.
Spacecraft
The D-Series satellites are based on Orbital’s flight-proven GEOStar-2 ™ bus. Each satellite carries
24 active Ku-band transponders on a platform that is ideal for telephony, data and broadcasting
applications. Both spacecraft generate approximately 3.8 kilowatts of payload power.
Coverage:
Australia and New Zealand
Mission:
Ku-band fixed communications and
direct television
Customer:
Optus Networks, Pty.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
Optus D1 and D2
Ku-band Commercial Communications Satellite
GEO
Optus D2 in the Antenna Range at Orbital's
satellite manufacturing facility in Dulles, Virginia Optus D1 in Orbital's satellite manufacturing
facility in Dulles, Virginia