Paul O'Sullivan, Optus Chief Executive, and Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, announced in Sydney, Australia that the Optus 10 satellite would be launched into geostationary transfer orbit mid-2013 by an Ariane 5 from the Guiana Space Center, Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

This latest contract, the eighth communications satellite launch contract signed by Arianespace in 2011, shows that Arianespace's launch Service and Solutions match the requirements of today's satellite operators.

Optus 10 will be the sixth satellite launched by Arianespace for the Australian operator. Arianespace first launched Aussat A3 in 1987, followed by Optus C1 in 2003 and Optus D1, D2 and D3 in 2006, 2007 and 2009, respectively.

SingTel, the parent company of Optus, also chose Arianespace to launch its ST-1 and ST-2 satellites, in 1998 and 2011.

The Optus 10 satellite is being built by Space Systems/Loral in Palo Alto, California, using an SS/L 1300 platform.

It will weigh about 3,200 kg at launch, and is fitted with 24 Ku-band transponders. It is designed to provide direct TV broadcast, internet connectivity, telephone and data transmission services for Australia and New Zealand. Optus 10 offers a design life of 15 years.

"We're looking forward to Optus 10 joining the five satellites we currently have in orbit, ensuring that we maintain our leadership in providing high quality and resilient satellite services for Australia and New Zealand.

"With Arianespace as our launch partner, we have an experienced and proven team ensuring that Optus 10 sees its way successfully into orbit," said Mr. O'Sullivan.

"We are proud to have once again been chosen to launch a satellite for SingTel Optus," added Jean-Yves Le Gall.

"Over the last decade this major Asia-Pacific operator has entrusted us with all of their satellites, clearly showing that our launch service offering addresses today's evolving market needs."