Optus completes on-orbit testing of latest satellite

Optus has completed the on-orbit testing of its latest satellite, Optus 10, which is now being moved to its operational geostationary orbital position.

The satellite is slowly drifting to longitude of 164° east, in a slot approximately 36,000 kilometres above the equator.

Geostationary communications satellites generally are initially placed into temporary locations while post-launch testing is completed, before being allowed to ‘drift’ to their final orbital slots.

The on-orbit tests were conducted using Optus ground stations in Sydney, Canberra and Perth, with Optus engineers working with satellite manufacturer Space Systems/Loral’s Mission Control Centre in the United States.

The Optus 10 payload’s flexibility means it can operate in either the Ku Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) or Broadcast Satellite Services (BSS) bands.

“It’s always a great feeling once a satellite completes its rigorous testing schedule and is verified to be ready for operation,” said Paul Sheridan, vice president of Optus Satellite. “The team has done a fantastic job of completing the testing ahead of plan.”

After its two-week drift, Optus 10 will join the company’s existing satellite fleet which supports corporate, enterprise and government customers throughout Australia, New Zealand and parts of the Antarctic.