TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The schedule to launch BRIsat, a satellite owned by PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), has been postponed once again. Arianespace Executive Head Stephane Israel say the delay is caused by a technical issue.

According to Israel, there is a problem on the rocket launcher’s electrical connection.

Israel estimates the delay of BRIsat will be for 11 hours. During the time, Arianespace technicians will try to fix the problem occurring on Ariane 5 rocket, which will carry BRIsat and another satellite owned by a US-company. Therefore, Israel predicts the launch will take placeFriday evening, June 17, Kourou time or a day after its initial schedule.

BRIsat’s launch is postponed for the second time. Last week, Arianespace delayed the world’s first satellite launch owned by BRI due to an anomaly on the rocket connection.

BRIsat will connect 10,350 BRI offices throughout Indonesia. BRI is currently using 40 satellite transponders. The rest of the transponders made by US-company Space System Loral (SSL) will be used for reserve development of 10 transponders and handed over to 4 transponder countries.

FERY FIRMANSYAH