Arianespace Grabs Optus 10 Launch Deal

Australian satellite operator Optus has selected Arianespace’s Ariane 5 rocket to launch its new Optus 10 spacecraft into geostationary transfer orbit in the middle of 2013 from the European Spaceport in French Guiana.

Optus 10 will be the sixth satellite launched by Arianespace for the Australian operator since orbiting the Aussat A3 in 1987, followed by Optus C1 in 2003 and Optus D1, D2 and D3 in 2006, 2007 and 2009, respectively. Optus’ parent company SingTel also chose Arianespace to launch its ST-1 and ST-2 satellites in 1998 and 2011, respectively. The Optus 10 contract is the eighth communications satellite launch contract signed by Arianespace in 2011.

Intelsat Inks Capacity Agreements with Turner Broadcasting

Intelsat signed capacity agreements with Turner Broadcasting for transponder space on two Intelsat satellites.

Turner extended its long-term commitment on Intelsat 9, and has committed to new capacity on Intelsat 11 as part of two multi-year deals. Turner will continue to provide standard-definition content on Intelsat 9, while offering high-definition programming on Intelsat 11 to its customers in Latin America.