Space Systems/Loral (SSL) reports that Australia's new broadband satellite is performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The high capacity broadband satellite deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

The satellite, known as Sky Muster, is an all Ka-band, high-throughput broadband satellite that uses multiple spot beams in an advanced design that tailors capacity to Australia's widely distributed population.

It is designed to provide service to hundreds of thousands of Australians who do not otherwise have access to high speed internet and will supplement the fixed line and fixed wireless services provided by nbn.

"I would like to congratulate nbn on the launch of their first satellite for broadband in Australia," said John Celli, president of SSL. "It has been a pleasure to work together with the nbn team to provide a satellite that will extend the availability of internet service to remote areas."

Originally called NBN Co 1A, the satellite was renamed "Sky Muster" by the six-year-old winner of a country-wide contest. It is the first of two satellites that SSL is providing for nbn.

The two satellites will work in conjunction with one another to deliver fast broadband throughout Australia, and its coastal islands and external territories including Norfolk Island, Cocos Island, Christmas Island, and Macquarie Island in the Antarctic.

"SSL has proven itself as a reliable and innovative partner in developing the space segment for Australia's broadband network, said Greg Adcock, chief operating officer of nbn. "Sky Muster will offer access to distance education, telehealth, video-conferencing, as well as other essential services to homes and businesses in rural and remote Australia where fast broadband service is currently unavailable."

Sky Muster is based on the highly reliable SSL 1300 platform, which has the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. Sky Muster is the 100th SSL 1300 satellite that SSL has delivered, providing tangible evidence of the platform's evolution to accommodate payload advances.

The satellite is designed to provide service for 15 years or more. With this launch, there are 81 SSL-built GEO satellites currently on orbit.