Jakarta, INTI - The Indonesian Space Association (Ariksa) is targeting the launch of Indonesia’s first Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite by 2027, a system comparable to Starlink. According to Ariksa Chairman Adi Rahman Adiwoso, the launch is expected no later than 2027, marking a significant milestone in the country’s space ambitions.
LEO satellites operate at altitudes ranging from 500 to 2,000 kilometers above Earth, significantly closer than geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites positioned at around 36,000 kilometers. This proximity allows for lower launch costs and reduced latency, although it also limits coverage per satellite. As a result, achieving global connectivity requires large constellations consisting of hundreds or even thousands of satellites, as demonstrated by SpaceX through its Starlink network.
Founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, SpaceX has developed a range of space technologies beyond Starlink, including the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, the Starship transportation system, and the Dragon crew and cargo capsules used for NASA missions. Starlink itself has been operating in Indonesia since 2022 and was officially introduced to the market in May of the following year.
To date, Indonesia’s satellite deployments have primarily been in GEO orbit. These include SATRIA-1 (Nusantara Tiga), launched in June 2023 to expand internet access in underserved regions; Nusantara Satu (PSN VI), launched in 2019 to provide nationwide broadband services; Telkom-4 (Merah Putih), operational since 2018 for regional communications; Telkom-3S, launched in 2017 for commercial satellite services; and BRIsat, launched in 2016 to support banking communications.
Building the Foundation for a Sustainable Space Industry
Looking ahead, Ariksa is also preparing the development of a domestic spaceport to support future LEO satellite launches. Adi emphasized that achieving the 2027 target will depend on three critical pillars: supportive government policies that encourage investment, the development of skilled human resources aligned with the needs of the space industry, and sustainable business models to ensure long-term ecosystem growth.
He drew parallels with the evolution of the technology sector in the 1990s, when companies like Facebook, Google, and Microsoft grew from startups into trillion-dollar giants. A similar trajectory is now unfolding in the space industry. Companies such as Rocket Lab have seen their valuations rise significantly, while SpaceX, driven in part by Starlink, has reached a private valuation approaching US$400 billion, with the potential to climb even higher.
According to Adi, this rapid growth highlights the space sector’s potential to become a major engine of the global economy. With a clear vision and coordinated strategy, Indonesia is well positioned to seize this opportunity and establish itself as a key player in the emerging space industry.
Conclusion
Indonesia’s plan to launch its first LEO satellite by 2027 marks a strategic step toward strengthening national connectivity and entering the global space economy. By focusing on supportive policies, skilled human capital, and sustainable business models, the country is laying the groundwork for long-term growth in the space sector. With the rapid expansion of companies like SpaceX and the increasing demand for satellite-based internet, Indonesia has a timely opportunity to position itself as a competitive player in the evolving space industry.
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