Sky Muster II satellite prepares for Ariane 5 launch

The Sky Muster II broadband satellite has initiated prelaunch preparations that will lead to the spacecraft’s orbit on an Arianespace dual-passenger Ariane 5 mission from French Guiana. The launch will take place in October.

The two Sky Muster relay platforms are designed to deliver nbn’s advanced services for some of the most difficult-to-reach citizens in Australia, from mainland Australia and Tasmania to the offshore islands.

Built by Space Systems Loral (SSL) for Australia’s national broadband network, the satellite has undergone a fit check at the Spaceport S5 payload processing facility. The adapter that was examined will serve as the interface when integrated with Ariane 5.

Sky Muster II is a Ka-band, high-throughput broadband satellite. It will utilise multiple spot beams to optimise bandwidth for Australia’s widely distributed population. It is based on SSL’s 1300 spacecraft platform and will have a lift-off mass of approximately 6400 kg.

The co-passenger on the flight will be India’s GSAT-18 telecommunications satellite, developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). 

Image courtesy of Arianespace