Optus (satellite) - D-Class - Optus D3

Optus D3

  • Location: 156° east
  • Launch Date: 21 August 2009
  • Equipment: 32 Ku band transponders (consisting of twenty four 125 watt primary and eight 44 watt backup transponders)
  • Launch mass: 2500 kg

The third in the D series of Optus satellites was successfully launched into a geostationary transfer orbit on 21 August 2009 at 22:09 GMT by Arianespace using an Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The satellite will be co-located with Optus C1 at 156° east. Optus sold 25% of the transponder capacity (6 out of 24) to Foxtel to provide High Definition programming as well as "new channels, expanded digital services and enhanced picture and sound quality".

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