Optus' latest state-of-the-art satellite, Optus D3, was successfully propelled into orbit following an impressive lift-off from French Guiana on August 22nd. Paul O’Sullivan, Optus Chief Executive said, “What an exciting day for Australia. This morning we witnessed the spectacular rocket launch of Optus’ newest satellite, Optus D3. Optus launched Australia’s first satellite almost 25 years ago and we continue to fly the country’s satellite fleet today. As the only Australian telco to own and operate satellites, Optus is the leading provider of satellite services across Australia and New Zealand. Satellite makes sense for the nation. Optus satellite reaches all corners of the country delivering subscription television, free-to-air TV, voice, internet and radio services making it an important source of news and entertainment for the entire population. The Optus D3 satellite will expand Optus’ satellite fleet capacity, provide an in-orbit redundancy capability and marks the first use of the Broadcast Satellite Service (BSS) spectrum in Australia. The BSS band will allow Optus’ broadcast customers to increase their delivery of the nexgen of digital and high definition television to the home. The Optus D3 Satellite will increase Optus’ total satellite capacity, support existing customers including FOXTEL and Sky New Zealand and enable the development of new business opportunities for broadcast television and the direct-to-home market.