Optus B3

Australia

International Sat. n°:

Australia satellite n°: 8
This spacecraft is also called Optus B2R & Aussat B3

Launch data:

Designation 23227 / 94055A
Launch date 27 Aug 1994 - 23:10 UT
Launch siteXichang, LC-2
Launch vehicleCZ-2E
MissionCommercial: Communications
Geostationary orbit on:
Perigee / Apogee 35766 x 35806 km
Eccentricity 4.74E-04
Inclination 0.95 deg
Period 1436.09 min

Spacecraft data:

Prime contractor  Hughes Space and Communications
Platform  
Operator Optus Communication
Mass at launch  2858 kg
Dry Mass 1582kg
Basic shape  
Dimension (m) 
Solar array  
Stabilization  
DC power  3000 W
Design lifetime  10-14 yrs - still active

Location:

Begin End Position Remarks
L: 27 Aug 1994 Jul 1995 152°E -
Aug 1995   156°E -
~7 Febr 2008   164°E longitude stabilised

In mid-1998 the satellite was sold to Commonwealth Bank of Australia Ltd (CBA) for A$206 million and leased back from the bank.

Mission details:

Ref: #7, #15, #225, #226 - update: 14.08.08