Global launch service provider Arianespace has launched two satellites, Sky Muster II and GSAT-18, for Australian operator National Broadband Network (nbn) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) respectively.

Both the satellites were lifted off aboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle from Guiana Space Centre (CSG) in Kourou, French Guiana.

Scheduled to undergo final technical testing over the upcoming months, the Sky Muster II satellite will provide fast broadband services to nearly 400,000 Australian homes and businesses.

"Thanks to everybody at Arianespace for this eighth successful launch of 2016."

Launched during Ariane 5’s 74th consecutive mission, the satellite is the eighth satellite that Arianespace has launched for Australia.

Designed for a lifespan of more than 15 years, Sky Muster II is currently positioned at 135° to 150° East orbit.

Arianespace chairman and CEO Stéphane Israël said: “This 74th successful launch in a row by Ariane 5 equals the record set by Ariane 4.

“I would like to congratulate all our partners for this team success: the European Space Agency and the ESA member states participating in the Ariane programme; our industrial prime contractor and lead shareholder, Airbus Safran Launchers as well as the entire European industry for Ariane; CNES/CSG along with all companies and staff at the launch base, who support us as we go from success to success.

“And of course, thanks to everybody at Arianespace for this eighth successful launch of 2016.”

ISRO’s GSAT-18 satellite, launched during the latest flight, is the 20th satellite launched by Arianespace.

Weighing 3,404kg, the satellite will provide telecommunications services for India, and will improve ISRO’s current fleet of 14 operational telecom satellites.

GSAT-18 carried 48 communication transponders in C-band, upper extended C-band and Ku-band for providing various services for more than 12 years to India.

Arianespace will also launch ISRO’s GSAT-11 and GSAT-17 satellites next year.

Image: Ariane 5 launches Sky Muster II and GSAT-18 satellites. Photo: courtesy of Arianespace.