LAPAN to Discuss Development of Satellite Launch Station

LAPAN to Discuss D of Satellite Launch Station

Jakarta, MINA – The National Aeronautics and Space Agency (LAPAN) will discuss further the plan to build a satellite launch station in Indonesia in accordance with the mandate of Law Number 21 of 2013 on Space.

Head of Public Relations Division of LAPAN Jasyanto in a written statement received by Antara News in Jakarta on Sunday said that it is now time for Indonesia as a developing country with a vast territory to accelerate the mastery of technology in the field of space to support its independence on strategic sectors.

For that, he said LAPAN tried to discuss further steps that must be taken to accelerate the nations independence as mandated by the law by implementing the planned construction of a satellite launch station.

A seminar will also be held to discuss “Policies and Regulations on Aviation and Space Toward National Independence” on October 25, 2017, in Jakarta.

The seminar will discuss not only the plan to build a satellite launch station, but also on the contribution of space to the economic sector, satellite and rocket development, and aviation technology in Indonesia.

The Law on Space in Article 7 paragraph 1 letter d mentions one of the activities about space is (satellite) launching.

Article 34 paragraph 1 of the law mentioned that the launch of a spacecraft as intended in Article 7 paragraph 1 letter d is conducted by an institution in the sovereign territory of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), NKRI jurisdiction territory, ship or aircraft flying an Indonesian-flag and or foreign ship or airplane located in the sovereign territory of or jurisdiction of NKRI.

Cooperation with other countries

Earlier Head of LAPAN Thomas Djamaluddin said more detailed planning of satellite launch station development is being done, including considering cooperation with other countries in the process as the required fund is very big, complicated and require more experienced Human Resources (HR).

Another consideration is to involve other countries, according to him, so that Indonesia can quickly have its own satellite launch station. In addition, with the cooperation, the station will be more efficiently utilized and will not only wait for programs from Indonesia but also from partner countries.

Several countries such as China and South Korea have expressed interest in joining to build a space launch station in Indonesia . However, in addition to these two countries Indonesia will also explore other countries including Japan and India first.

He said the government has also received offers from Indonesian researchers and scientists to explore the space.

He did not rule out the possibility that if Indonesia already has a satellite launch station, it will have joint missions to explore other plants. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)