Second SkyMuster satellite set for launch

nbn's Sky Muster II satellite is set for launch aboard an Arianespace rocket on 4 October.

This will be the second satellite launched by Arianespace for nbn. It is designed to help extend high-speed internet to the entire country, including the Norfolk, Christmas, Macquarie and Cocos islands, in conjunction with the services already delivered by Sky Muster I.

Built by SSL (Space Systems Loral) using a 1300 platform, Sky Muster II will be the 59th SSL satellite orbited by Arianespace.

Another satellite, GSAT-18, will launch on the same rocket for the Indian space agency ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation).

The Launch Readiness Review will take place on 30 September at the launch site in Kourou, French Guiana, to authorise the start of operations for the final countdown.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Kim Warden