For more than 35 years, Optus has been Australia's preeminent satellite provider
Launching 10 satellites, operating 13 spacecraft and providing support to over 100 international space programs Satellite technology is a real area of strength for Optus. We’re currently Australia and New Zealand’s leading satellite owner-operator, with five satellites currently in orbit and operating two NBN™ Skymuster satellites with available services across Australia, New Zealand and to McMurdo Sound in the Antarctic. Optus has invested $3 billion in the space sector as a commercial operator and we specialise in a range of premium satellite services including the provision of launch support and transfer orbit operations, fleet management and Telemetry, Tracking and Control services.
History
Our history
Aussat and the A-Series Satellite
Before Optus purchased Aussat in 1991 as part of our telecommunications carrier licence, there was Aussat – a government owned company who operated the national satellite system.
On 11 July 1985, Aussat opened the Sydney Earth Station. The next month it launched its first satellite, the Aussat A1. Through the A1, Aussat supplied communications services for consumer and military purposes, as well as television services to remote regions.
Aussat A1 was launched on 27 August 1985. Deployed by Space Shuttle Discovery during STS-51-1 mission.
Aussat A2 was launched on 27 November 1985. Deployed by Space Shuttle Atlantis during STS-61-B mission.
Aussat A3 was launched on 16 September 1987, from French Guiana by an Ariane 3. The Aussat A3 was the oldest HS-376 still in active operation. In April 2008 it was moved to a graveyard orbit and shutdown.
In 1991, Aussat was privatised through its sale to Optus.
Optus and the B-series Satellite
On 13 August 1992, OPTUS B1 (a HS-601 satellite) was launched from the Xichang Space Centre, China. It was moved to a graveyard orbit in May 2008. In 1994, the Optus B3 – also a HS-601 – was launched from the same space centrer.
Optus and the C1 Satellite
OPTUS C1 - 156 degrees East On the 11 June 2003, OPTUS C1 was launched. At the time, Optus C1 was used for both defence and telecommunications purposes, in particular the supply of television services to Australia. It is still in operation today in an inclined orbit.
Optus Satellite Operations Centres
Satellite operations are a 24/7 job, every day of the year. That's why we have Australia's largest earth station in Lockridge and expert staff spread across Australia who are focused on delivering exceptional services for our satellite customers.
Optus' Main Earth Station
The Belrose Satellite Operations Centre (SOC) is a world-class facility that manages over 350 satellite, media and data services. It operates 24/7, 365 days of the year.
The SOC provides service assurance support for the earth station network, as well the delivery of services for Optus’ geostationary satellites across Australia, New Zealand and Antarctica.
From this location, we transmit broadcast signals for our customers via our satellites. Additionally, we transmit free-to-air programming as well, which is then re-broadcast from transmitter sites around Australia. Optus also transmit services onto other satellites in the Pacific region to provide services to locations in the Pacific Ocean and Coral Sea.
The Belrose facility also has a CER – Customer Equipment Room – where customers can house equipment within the CER, from which their signals and/or data can be transmitted through the ground station to our satellites.
Our main satellite operations centre is located in Belrose (NSW) with other operations in Lockridge (WA); Hume (ACT); and Regency Park (SA). From these stations, we conduct continuous satellite network monitoring, video, voice and data delivery, support and troubleshooting across a range of industries.
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