35756 - OPTUS D3

Optus D3, a communications satellite serving Australia, was launched on an Ariane 5 rocket from Kourou on 21 August 2009 at 22:09 UT. The satellite will provide communications and direct-to-home television transmissions from a longitude of 156 degrees E in geosynchronous orbit. The 2,500 kg satellite carries 24 Ku-band transponders and has an expected life span of 15 years.

Facts in Brief

Launch Date: 2009-08-21
Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5
Launch Site: Kourou, French Guiana