The company said in a communique released at the Berlin air show that the first satellite, Optus D1, would be put into orbit by an Ariane rocket in late

The second satellite, Optus D2, is to be launched in 2007 by a Russian Soyuz rocket from the Kourou space center in French Guiana, the company added.

It gave no details on the value of the contract.

Optus D1 and Optus D2 will be the third and fourth satellites to be launched by Arianespace for the Australian operator.

SPACE.WIRE