NBN’s first satellite, Sky Muster, blasts off into space

THE first of two satellites for Australia’s national broadband network is hurtling into space, with hopes it will be a game changer for regional Australia.

A supplied image obtained Thursday, Oct. 1, 2105 of a rocket carring Sky Muster, one of the world?s most-advanced communication satellites, during take off from Guiana Space Centre in South America. The satellite will play a critical role in providing fast broadband (NBN) access to around 400,000 Australian homes and businesses. (AAP Image/National Broadband Network) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

THE first satellite for Australia’s national broadband network is hurtling into space, with hopes it will be a game changer for regional Australia.

The satellite — named Sky Muster by six-year-old Northern Territory pupil Bailey Brooks — was aboard a rocket launched from French Guiana at 5:30pm local time according to launch company Arianespace.

The rocket reached a top speed of more than three kilometres a second as it covered its first 450km.

It’s heading for an orbital slot about 36,000km above Australia. Residents in regional areas, crying out for faster internet speed, are expected to benefit from the satellite in the first half of 2016.

Up and away ... A rocket carring Sky Muster, one of the worlds most-advanced communication satellites, during take off from Guiana Space Centre in South America. Picture: AAP Image/National Broadband Network

Sky Muster “is the seventh satellite launched by Arianespace for the Australian operator”, said the company, adding that it will extend broadband across Australia including to outlying areas such as Norfolk and Christmas islands.

A second satellite will be launched in mid-2016.

Once in place, both satellites will project 101 spot beams to provide coverage to Australia, as well as Christmas, Cocos, Lord Howe, Norfolk and Macquarie islands.

They are projected to cover 400,000 homes and businesses.

Communications Minister Mitch Fifield said the satellite service would help bridge the digital divide between Australia’s cities and regions.