An Ariane 5 launch from July 2013. Photo: Arianespace

[Via Satellite 07-27-2016] NBN Co, Australia’s state-owned broadband company, has announced Oct. 5 as the launch date for its second satellite, Sky Muster 2. The 6,400kg spacecraft from manufacturer Space Systems Loral (SSL) is set to launch from the French Guiana Space Center aboard an Arianespace Ariane 5 rocket.

Following the successful launch of NBN’s first satellite late last year, Sky Muster 2 will provide additional data capacity to support the delivery of the company’s satellite broadband service.

The Ka-band High Throughput Satellites (HTS) are to help bridge Australia’s digital divide for around 400,000 homes and businesses in regional and remote parts of the country by providing them with better access to distance online education and healthcare services as well as the ability to run more efficient agribusinesses from our outback farms. NBN has the goal of connecting all Australians, with the rollout designed to provide nationwide access to fast broadband by 2020.