Optus ordered two satellites of the Optus D-series, Optus D1 and Optus D2, with USA manufacturer Orbital Sciences, Corp. (Orbital ATK – Northrop Grumman), and are based on Orbital’s Star-2 platform.

The satellites 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 4.0kW of electrical power and was launched in 2006 on an Ariane 5 launcher operated by Arianespace launch operator from their Space Port in Kourou, French Guiana.

The second satellite, Optus D2, would generate approximately 4.7kW of power and was also launched in October 2007 on an Ariane 5 launcher operated by Arianespace launch operator from their Space Port in Kourou, French Guiana. The satellite is located at 152° East.

On February 2, 2014 Network Operator NBN, Co. of Australia chose Optus for a five-year contract to operate their two purpose-built satellites, Sky Muster I and II, to deliver high speed broadband across rural and remote Australia.