On August 21, 2009 at 22.09 UTC an Ariane 5 ECA launcher (V190 flight) lifted off from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana on its mission to place two telecommunications satellites, JCSat-12 and Optus D3, into geostationary transfer orbits.

JCSat-12 belongs to Japan Satellite Systems, Inc. (JSAT). The satellite was made by the “Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems” American company.

JCSat-12 will provide broadcast and broadband services covering Japan, the Oceania and Asia-Pacific regions and Hawaii.

Optus D3 belongs to Australian company Optus Networks, Pty. The satellite was made by the Orbital Sciences Corp. (USA).

Optus D3 will deliver direct-to-home TV broadcast, Internet, telephony and data transmission services for Australia and New Zealand.