Optus has pushed back until 2006 the launch of two satellites – D1 and D2 – which would have replaced its aging B Series satellites, according to an Aug. 2 report on the Australian IT Web site. The report did not provide a reason for the delay. Arianespace will launch the satellites.

Optus has two satellites in its B series, both based on the Hughes 601 body-stabilized platform. The B1 satellite was launched Aug. 14, 1992 and the B3 Aug. 28, 1994. The spacecraft provide a mobile satellite communications network to Australia.

Orbital Sciences Corp. is manufacturing the D1 and D2 satellites.