Arianespace and Australian operator SingTel Optus have signed the launch contract for the Optus-11 communications satellite. The launch, scheduled for the second half of 2023, will use the Ariane 64 version of the Ariane 6 launcher, with four solid boosters.
Optus-11 is a Ku-band communications satellite with a coverage zone encompassing Australia and New Zealand. Optus-11 incorporates a number of advanced technologies, especially the latest developments in digital processing, plus active antennas enabling the creation of several thousand beams. Fully configurable in orbit, this satellite will expand the capacity of the operator’s current geostationary orbit constellation – making it the largest constellation ever deployed by an Australian company.
Optus-11 will be the seventh SingTel Optus satellite launched by Arianespace.
“We are delighted and honored by this renewed mark of confidence from the operator SingTel Optus,” Stéphane Israël, Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace, said. “Over the last 21 years, we have carried out all launches for Optus, and Ariane 6 will now continue this long and successful track record.”
“A vital element to the successful deployment of a new satellite are the partners that we work with," Ben White, Managing Director, Wholesale, Satellite and Strategy at Optus, said. "We are delighted to be partnering again with Arianespace, who’s demonstrated over many years the ability to consistently deliver a precise deployment and speed to orbit.”
The Ariane 64 configuration for this mission provides enhanced performance to inject the Optus-11 satellite into a high-energy geostationary transfer orbit, enabling it to start operation more quickly.