In a significant stride toward enhancing broadband internet access across Indonesia, the country's latest communications satellite, Telkomsat HTS 113BT, also known as Merah Putih 2, was successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 3:11 p.m. EST.
The launch, conducted amidst challenging windy conditions, saw the Falcon 9 rocket commence its ascent precisely at the opening of a two-hour launch window, demonstrating SpaceX's capability to operate under less-than-ideal weather circumstances.
The mission's first stage booster, designated B1067, embarked on its 17th journey to space, contributing to a diverse portfolio of missions including Crew-3, Crew-4, and several Cargo Dragon spacecraft missions to the International Space Station, as well as the launch of PSN Satria, another Indonesian communications satellite, in June 2023.
Approximately 8.5 minutes post-liftoff, the B1067 booster made a precision landing on the SpaceX droneship, ‘Just Read the Instructions,' marking a triumphant return to operations for the droneship after an incident in December. This landing represented the 72nd successful recovery on JRTI and the 276th overall booster landing for SpaceX, underscoring the company's commitment to reusability and reliability in its launch operations.
The payload, Merah Putih 2, was deployed into orbit more than 34 minutes into the flight, signifying a crucial milestone in Indonesia's mission to expand its broadband internet footprint.
Constructed by Thales Alenia Space on its Spacebus 4000B2 platform, the satellite boasts a capacity of over 32 Gbps, targeting improved telecommunications services across Indonesia. Weighing approximately four metric tons, Merah Putih 2 is expected to serve from its geostationary position at 113° East for 15 years, representing a significant investment in Indonesia's digital infrastructure with a project valuation of 3.8 trillion INR ($242.8 million).
Hervé Derrey, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration, highlighting the company's commitment to meeting the diverse needs of Indonesian satellite operators through a broad range of telecommunications satellites. “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,” Derrey stated in 2021.
Merah Putih 2, symbolically named after the Indonesian flag, represents the second satellite SpaceX has launched for Telkomsat, following the successful deployment of the Merah Putih (formerly Telkom-4) in August 2018. This launch not only marks a significant advancement in Indonesia's telecommunications capabilities but also reaffirms SpaceX's role as a pivotal player in the global space industry.