Australia's national satellite communications company became the first customer to purchase the Hughes 601 body-stabilized satellite in July 1988, when it ordered two of the high-powered spacecraft to be delivered into orbit for its next-generation system. In January 1992 the Australian company, once known as AUSSAT Pty., Ltd., became part of Optus Communications Pty., Ltd., the country's new, privately owned telecommunications carrier. The spacecraft are called the Optus B series.

The B-Class satellites were manufactured by Hughes and launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center by Long March rockets. The two satellites were the first U.S.-built satellites to be approved by the Reagan administration for launch on Chinese rockets. To break into the commercial launch market, the Chinese offered to launch for less than half of what a U.S. launch company would charge.