Sky Muster

Space Systems / Loral (SSL) has shipped a high-performance satellite designed and built for Australia’s new nbn broadband network to the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

Named Sky Muster, the high-capacity broadband satellite is based on the reliable SSL 1300 platform, and is scheduled to be launched aboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle by Arianespace in the near future.

SSL president John Celli said: "The satellite for Australia’s broadband network is a very advanced broadband satellite that will cover the entire Australian continent, including its offshore islands.

"It is gratifying to know that the work we do in Palo Alto will help connect underserved people to the rich resources available through the internet."

Designed to provide service to more than 200,000 users, the Ka-band satellite uses multiple spot beams in an advanced design that tailors capacity to Australia’s widely distributed population.

In particular, Sky Muster supplements the fixed line and fixed wireless services provided by the new broadband network, and represents the 100th 1,300 satellite delivered by SSL to its customers.

"We are closer to providing a service that will help fuel growth, drive economic improvements, and bring new opportunities to all Australians."

Nbn CEO Greg Adcock said: "Satellite is the only feasible solution to bringing fast broadband to homes and businesses in parts of rural and remote Australia.

"Now that Sky Muster is at launch base, we are closer to providing a service that will help fuel growth, drive economic improvements, and bring new opportunities to all Australians."

The company is also building a second satellite for the nbn network, which will work in collaboration with the first to provide expanded and advanced service coverage to some of the remotest places in Australia.

In addition, the coverage will be provided to the country’s coastal islands and external territories, including Norfolk Island, Cocos Island, Christmas Island, and Macquarie Island in the Antarctic.

Image: The Sky Muster satellite, which is expected to provide service to more than 200,000 Australians. Photo: courtesy of SSL.