The two satellites of the Optus-D series will be based on Orbital's Star-2 platform and will carry 24 Ku-band
transponders, with 8 back-up channels also available, to provide fixed communications and
direct television broadcasting services to Australia and New Zealand. The first satellite,
Optus D1, will generate approximately 4.0 kilowatts of
electrical power and is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2005. The second
satellite, Optus D2, will generate approximately 4.7 kilowatts of power
and is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2006. Financial details of the
contract were not released.
In March 2007 Optus D3 was ordered for launch in 2009.