LAPAN to Launch A-2 Satellite in October, Two More Coming

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian National Institute of Aeronautics and Spaces (Lapan) is set to launch ship-monitoring satellite, Lapan-A2, using India’s PSLV-C23 rocket in October 2015.

“Lapan-A2 satellite is scheduled to be launched in the upcoming October for ship-monitoring and remote-sensing purposes,” said Lapan Head Thomas Djamaluddin regarding the long-delayed launching, as quoted by Antara news.

According to Thomas, the satellite will be launched from Sriharikota space station in India.

“The challenge will be bigger in equatorial orbit,” Thomas said in Jakarta, on Thursday.

The satellite that consumed Rp50 billion fund weighs 100 kg and is provided with Automatic Identification System (AIS) sensor which capable of detecting movements of ships on Indonesia’s waters.

Lapan had held a Colloquium for the launching preparation, covering the readiness of operational-supporting elements, operators and maintenance.

Today, Lapan also prepares A3 satellite that will be used to monitor agriculture activities. The development, up until it is ready for launching, will require around Rp65 billion fund, Thomas said.

“Next, we will prepare Lapan-A5 and Lapan A-6 satellites. We also prepare large-size Inmarsat, and Maritime Affair Coordinating Ministry had requested radar sensors to be planted thereon, it costs an expensive price up to Rp5 trillion,” Thomas added.

ANTARA