C1 is in orbit

Defence is heading towards a new era of operational communications following the successful launch of the C1 satellite from French Guiana on June 12.

The C1 satellite will be used for both Defence and commercial communications, with the two separate payloads operated independently to ensure there is no mix-up of data.

Speaking after the launch Defence Minister Robert Hill said the satellite will provide Defence with a substantial increase in its communications capability across Australia and throughout the Asia/Pacific region.

In future mobile and deployed forces will be able to transfer command and control information and access larger volumes of data at the high speeds essential for modern warfighting.

Access to satellite bandwidth was identified as a key issue for ADF personnel deployed to the Middle East. These forces needed sufficient bandwidth to pass quick, accurate, high-density data to strategic, operational and tactical commanders in and out of the Gulf around the clock. These same requirements apply in Australia’s immediate neighbourhood where the C1 satellite will provide the necessary increased communications capacity for the ADF.

Senator Hill congratulated both Defence and Optus for the success of the project, which has taken five years to be completed.

Under the project agreement Defence and Optus have equal responsibility for the management of the satellite during its expected 15-plus years of life.

The satellite will take approximately 10 days to reach its initial test orbit, which will be followed by 23 days of in-orbit testing. Following these tests the satellite will be drifted to its operational orbit.

Defence operational use of the satellite is expected to start late this month.

Fixed ground infrastructure for the control and management of the satellite has been installed at Optus and Defence facilities in both Sydney and Canberra.

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