The Nano Satellite developed by young Indonesian scientists and fully supported by PT Pacific Satelit Nusantara (PSN) was launched towards the International Space Station (ISS) using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Wednesday (23/11) at 03.30 WIB.
The launch of the satellite, named Surya Satelit-1 (SS-1), is historic for the national space industry because it is the first satellite to be developed independently by young Indonesians.
"We are very proud because the four young people involved in the development of this nano-satellite are engineers at PSN who represent our vision in encouraging innovation in Indonesia," said Pacific Satelit Nusantara CEO, Adi Rahman Adiwoso, in an official statement.
"The SS-1 satellite is also part of PSN's strategic vision and ambition in contributing to Indonesia in accordance with the company's commitment to become a global-scale Indonesian company. PSN will continue to innovate to accelerate digital connectivity in Indonesia," said Adiwoso.
The SS-1 satellite was launched on mission CRS-26 aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida. SS-1 will be launched using the Dragon SpaceX cargo to the ISS, and will undergo an orbit elevation process for approximately 11 days to arrive at the ISS.
The next stage that will be passed is the deployment process which is no less important than the launch process. PSN has provided full support for the development of nano satellites initiated by a group of Surya University students since 2016.
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This nano-satellite development idea and project was initiated by Surya University, supported by multi-stakeholder collaboration between a team of young engineers and PT Pacific Satelit Nusantara, Indonesian Radio Amateur Organization (ORARI), PT Pudak Scientist, as well as the support of the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, Center for Satellite Technology . National Aviation and Space (Pusteksat LAPAN), and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
"The launch of SS-1, which was developed by Indonesia's younger generation with the support of all stakeholders, is one of the new milestones in the development of satellites in Indonesia and provides an injection of motivation for the importance of mastering satellite technology for Indonesia," said Head of the Satellite Technology Research Center, National Research and Innovation Agency (National Research and Innovation Agency). BRIN), Dr. Ing Wahyudi Hasbi.
"The Research Center for Satellite Technology-BRIN will always support the development of satellites developed by Indonesian universities & startups with their existing expertise, both in research support schemes and satellite testing and integration facilities prepared by BRIN," he said.
Meanwhile, Head of the Physics Engineering Study Program at Surya University who is also the Principal Investigator of SS-1, Prof. Sunartoto Gunadi believes the future of the satellite industry in Indonesia will be even brighter. Full support from PSN and stakeholders during the development process is also proof that support from industry players can produce young scientists who can contribute to Indonesia.
"I am grateful for the success of my great children, namely Zulfa Dhiyaulhaq, Setra Yoman Prahyang, Hery Steven, Suhandinata, Afiq Herdika Sulistya, and Roberto Gunawan who were able to complete the SS-1 nano satellite project," he said.
"Hopefully what my children are doing can further encourage and enliven the efforts of the millennial generation, to contribute as children of the nation in advancing and educating the nation's life," said Prof. Sunartoto Gunadi.
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After going through the design process and a series of tests consisting of a payload test, vacuum test, thermal test, vibration test, fitcheck test, functional test and handover to JAXA for inspection and integration with the launch system, SS-1 is now entering the launch stage from SpaceX to ISS.
In August 2018, Team Surya Satellite-1 was announced as the winner of this competition so that the satellite can be launched from the ISS for free.
"Today is the first time Indonesia has a CubeSat that will reach outer space. Through this nano-satellite, we want to show that outer space is reachable," said Head of the Nano Satellite Development Team, Setra Yoman Prahyang.
"Even though outer space is a vast area and a hostile environment and many challenges are faced, but with the spirit of building Indonesia, we continue to move forward. The entire team is also grateful for the full support from various parties so that the project initiated in 2016 can be realized. We hope that the launch of this cargo will be smooth, so that the satellite can arrive at the ISS safely," said Setra Yoman.
Regarding the future development of nano-satellite, Adiwoso hopes that this nano-satellite project will encourage more advanced space technology innovations in Indonesia, especially in the satellite field. It is hoped that Indonesia will be able to realize national satellite independence.
“Of course we must be prepared to face global technology competition which is predicted to be even tougher in the future. This situation is both a challenge and an opportunity for the younger generation to continue to innovate so that we can compete, especially in the aerospace and outer space sector. I am sure that with the cooperation of all parties and the support of the government, Indonesia can produce competitive technology," said Adiwoso.
