OPTUS D3 BEGINS PRE-LAUNCH CHECKOUT FOR MID-AUGUST MISSION

Pre-launch processing is underway for the Optus D3 satellite, as preparations for Arianespace’s fourth heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission of 2009 continue a Europe’s Spaceport. This dual-payload flight will carry a pair of U.S.-built spacecraft to be operated by two Asia-Pacific operators.