# OPTUS D1
**Wikidata**: [Q2027508](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2027508)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/optus-d1

## Summary  
OPTUS D1 is a communications satellite launched on October 13, 2006, aboard an Ariane 5 ECA rocket from the ELA-3 launch site. It provides telecommunications services, including television, internet, and mobile communications, primarily for Australia and New Zealand. The satellite is identified by COSPAR ID 2006-043B and satellite catalog number (SCN) 29495.  

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: October 13, 2006.  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5 ECA.  
- **Launch Site**: ELA-3 (Guiana Space Centre).  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2006-043B.  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 29495.  
- **Primary Function**: Telecommunications (TV, internet, mobile services).  
- **Service Area**: Australia and New Zealand.  
- **Classification**: Communications satellite.  

## FAQs  
### Q: When was OPTUS D1 launched?  
A: OPTUS D1 was launched on October 13, 2006.  

### Q: What is the purpose of OPTUS D1?  
A: It provides telecommunications services, including television, internet, and mobile connectivity, to Australia and New Zealand.  

### Q: How was OPTUS D1 deployed?  
A: It was launched using an Ariane 5 ECA rocket from the ELA-3 launch site in French Guiana.  

## Why It Matters  
OPTUS D1 plays a critical role in supporting telecommunications infrastructure for Australia and New Zealand, enabling access to essential services like broadcasting, broadband internet, and mobile communications. As a dedicated satellite, it helps bridge connectivity gaps in remote or underserved regions, fostering economic and social development. Its launch reinforced the reliability of the Ariane 5 ECA rocket for deploying commercial satellites, contributing to global telecommunications networks. For users in the region, OPTUS D1 ensures consistent access to information and communication tools, underscoring its importance in modern digital ecosystems.  

## Notable For  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Deployed via the Ariane 5 ECA, a high-capacity European rocket.  
- **Regional Focus**: Specifically designed to serve Australia and New Zealand.  
- **Service Longevity**: Operated for over 15 years as of 2023 (no decommissioning data provided).  
- **Technical Identification**: Unique COSPAR ID (2006-043B) and SCN (29495) for tracking.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
OPTUS D1 was launched on **October 13, 2006**, at **ELA-3** (Ariane Launch Area 3) in French Guiana. The **Ariane 5 ECA** rocket, a heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by the European Space Agency (ESA), deployed the satellite into geostationary orbit.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2006-043B (international designation for satellite tracking).  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 29495 (U.S. Space Surveillance Network identifier).  
- **Classification**: Categorized as a **communications satellite**, designed for telecommunications services.  

### Mission Purpose  
OPTUS D1 was commissioned to deliver **television broadcasting**, **broadband internet**, and **mobile communications** to Australia and New Zealand. Its geostationary orbit allows continuous coverage of the region, supporting both urban and remote areas.  

### Legacy  
While specific operational milestones are not detailed in the source material, OPTUS D1’s launch marked a key expansion of telecommunications capacity for its service region. It exemplifies the role of commercial satellites in enabling global connectivity, particularly in geographically dispersed countries like Australia. No decommissioning or deorbiting information is provided in the available data.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report