Optus is well into its mission of extending the operational life of its D3 satellite through Project Aurora, successfully completing its first phase. The project is part of the Australian telco’s commercial satellite servicing program, which has been designed to extend the life of geostationary satellites via on-orbit servicing technologies. Optus D3 was launched on 22 August 2009 from French Guiana in South America, which marked the telco’s ninth successful satellite launch and currently provides direct-to-home services for Australia and back up capacity to New Zealand.