(17 October 2006 6:25 pm)

MUMBAI:The Optus Networks Pty Ltd has launched into orbit a satellite -- Optus D1 that will provide fixed communication and direct television broadcast services to Australia and New Zealand.

Launched on 13 October into the orbit aboard an Ariane 5 rocket, had been builted by Orbital Sciences Corporation for Optus of Australia, was successfully launched into its targeted orbit aboard an Ariane 5 rocket on Friday, October 13.

The Optus D1 satellite is the first of the two satellites that Orbital is building for Optus. The second satellite, Optus D2, is scheduled for completion and launch in 2007.

Both of the Optus satellites are based on Orbital's Star 2.4 platform, which can generate nearly five kilowatts of payload power and can weigh over 5,000 pounds (2,500 kilograms) at launch, making them the largest and most powerful commercial communications spacecraft in Orbital's satellite product line.

"The demand for satellite communication services continues to grow strongly for direct-to-home subscription television, remote and rural communications and high speed broadband services," Optus chief executive Paul O'Sullivan said.