Arianespace wins Optus launch contract
November 18, 2021
Australian telco Optus has chosen Arianespace and an Ariane 6 rocket to launch its latest satellite.
Optus 11 is the craft, itself a replacement for Optus D1. Optus 11 is being built by Airbus Defence & Space and is due for launch in 2023.
Optus 11 is a fully reconfigurable satellite and based on Airbus’s OneSat technology. What sets Optus 11 apart is its ability to adjust its coverage, capacity and frequency, through on-board processing and active antennas with beam forming capability. It will deliver power and bandwidth dynamically to strengthen capacity and resilience of Optus fleet and enable Optus to configure and adapt the payload mission to end-user needs, taking advantage of the latest innovations in payload and resource management. It will serve the Asia-Pacific region.
Optus provides satellite services to Foxtel, ABC, SBS, Seven, Imparja Television, Sky New Zealand, and to government bodies in Australia and New Zealand.