Indonesia Launches Telkomsat Merah Putih 2 Satellite to Expand Broadband Internet Access
Indonesia has taken a significant step towards expanding broadband internet access across the country with the successful launch of its latest communications satellite, Telkomsat Merah Putih 2. The satellite was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on February 20, 2024.
Despite some challenging windy conditions, the Falcon 9 rocket managed to take off within its two-hour launch window. This particular Falcon 9 booster, tail number B1067, made its 17th flight, having previously supported missions such as Crew-3, Crew-4, and a pair of Cargo Dragon spacecraft missions to the International Space Station. It also played a crucial role in launching PSN Satria, another Indonesian communications satellite, in June 2023.
Approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, B1067 successfully landed on the SpaceX droneship, ‘Just Read the Instructions.’ This was a significant milestone for the droneship, as it marked its first mission since B1058 toppled over while returning to Port Canaveral in Florida in December. The successful landing on ‘Just Read the Instructions’ was the 72nd landing for the droneship and the 276th overall booster landing for SpaceX. This launch also marked SpaceX’s 16th mission of the year.
The Merah Putih 2 satellite was deployed from the Falcon 9 second stage around 34 minutes into the flight, confirming its successful deployment. The satellite, built by Thales Alenia Space on its Spacebus 4000B2 platform, is expected to provide over 32 Gbps capacity over Indonesia. Weighing approximately four metric tons, it will operate at an orbital position of 113° East for the next 15 years. The contracted work for the satellite was valued at 3.8 trillion INR ($242.8 million), according to Telecom Review.
Hervé Derrey, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space, expressed his satisfaction with the successful launch, stating, “It’s very fulfilling to be able to support our customer’s business development after Telkom 3S. HTS 113BT is the fourth telecom program to serve the Indonesian satellite operators, confirming that Thales Alenia Space is able to match its customers’ needs by offering a wide telecom satellites product range.” The Merah Putih 2 satellite, named after the Indonesian flag’s colors, will be the second satellite launched by SpaceX on behalf of Telkomsat. The first was the Merah Putih (formerly known as Telkom-4), which was launched on August 7, 2018, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from the Cape. This mission also marked the first preflight of a Falcon 9 Block 5 booster.
The successful launch of the Telkomsat Merah Putih 2 satellite brings Indonesia closer to its goal of expanding broadband internet access across the country. With its advanced capabilities and significant capacity, the satellite will play a crucial role in connecting more people and communities in Indonesia, bridging the digital divide and unlocking new opportunities for economic growth and development.
As SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of space exploration and satellite deployment, their partnership with Telkomsat highlights the growing importance of satellite technology in expanding global connectivity. With each successful launch, SpaceX solidifies its position as a leading player in the commercial space industry.
The launch of Telkomsat Merah Putih 2 also serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between nations and industries in advancing technology and improving lives. By leveraging the expertise of Thales Alenia Space and the innovative capabilities of SpaceX, Indonesia is taking a significant step towards realizing its vision of a connected and digitally empowered nation.
As the Merah Putih 2 satellite begins its mission in orbit, it symbolizes the power of technology to transcend borders and bring people together. With its presence in the sky, it will serve as a beacon of hope for millions of Indonesians, opening doors to education, healthcare, e-commerce, and countless other opportunities that broadband internet access can provide.
The successful launch of Telkomsat Merah Putih 2 is not only a milestone for Indonesia but also a testament to the limitless possibilities that lie ahead in our interconnected world. As nations continue to invest in space exploration and satellite technology, we can look forward to a future where connectivity knows no boundaries, and the benefits of the digital age are accessible to all.
