March 3, 2022 – Optus announced it will be the first commercial geostationary operator to utilise SpaceLogistics’ Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) and Mission Extension Pod (MEP), increasing the life of Optus’ D3 Satellite into the 2030’s. The MRV, a spacecraft that is capable of robotically servicing multiple satellites in orbit, including the installation of a MEP, will be launched by SpaceX in 2024. The sophisticated robotics of the MRV will provide Optus the ability to attach the MEP to D3 which is effectively a fuel tank that extends geostationary life. Once on boarded, the MEP will augment the propulsion system of Optus’ D3 satellite, providing an additional six years of life extension. Combined with OPTUS 11, Optus’ next generation satellite and the Asia-Pacific region’s first software-defined high throughput satellite (HTS), the extension of Optus’ D3 satellite into the 2030’s will enable Optus to provide continuity of service to its existing customer base as well as increased capacity, coverage, performance and flexibility. The MEP will be a small Optus-owned, Optus-controlled propulsion augmentation vehicle that can provide more than six years of life extension for a typical 2,000 kg satellite in geostationary orbit.