Optus completes phase one of D3 satellite life-extension project

TL;DR

• Optus completed phase one of Project Aurora, a programme to extend the life of its D3 geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) satellite.
• Optus said the project could add six years to the operational life of D3 and other GEO satellites.
• A Mission Extension Vehicle launched in May 2025 docked with D3 and has now undocked.
• Northrop Grumman has a robotic vehicle and extension pod in orbit, with connection to D3 planned for late 2027.

Optus completed the first phase of Project Aurora, a programme to extend the operational life of its D3 geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) satellite, according to a Mobile World Live report published in August 2026. Optus said the project could add another six years to the operational life of D3 and other GEO satellites.

Optus said a Mission Extension Vehicle launched in May 2025 docked with the D3 satellite to provide extra propulsion and attitude control during preparation for the second phase. The operator said the vehicle has now undocked from D3. The D3 satellite launched in 2009.

Optus said a robotic vehicle and extension pod made by Northrop Grumman are already in orbit and are working toward connecting with D3 in late 2027. Optus said the extension pod would augment the propulsion capabilities of the D3 satellite and help maintain services into the 2030s. Optus also said D3 provides capacity and resilience within its broader satellite fleet.

Related questions

• What is Project Aurora and how much life could it add to the D3 satellite?
• When did the Mission Extension Vehicle dock with and undock from Optus D3?
• What role will Northrop Grumman's extension pod play in late 2027?