Indonesia has taken a significant step in advancing its role within the global space industry with the successful launch of the Nusantara Lima Satellite (SNL).
The satellite, developed by PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN) in collaboration with Boeing Satellite Systems International Inc, lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, United States, on Thursday (11 September 2025) at 21:56 local time after three earlier launch attempts were cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.
The launch was carried out using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40). Initially scheduled for 19:59, the launch was postponed by nearly two hours due to overcast skies and earlier rain.
As the countdown reached zero, the Falcon 9 ignited and illuminated the night sky, breaking through the cloud cover and leaving a thunderous roar across Cape Canaveral.
“At the start of the launch, the probability window was rather low due to bad weather. However, by 9:56 PM, the weather had improved, allowing SNL to be launched,” said SNL Project Director Satrio Adiwicaksono.
PSN’s team, alongside its partners and three Indonesian journalists, witnessed the launch live from The Gantry at LC-39 in the Kennedy Space Centre. The event drew local spectators and media outlets who enthusiastically captured and reported the moment.
Once separated from the rocket, the satellite came under the control of Boeing, which will manoeuvre it to its final orbital slot at 113 degrees east longitude above Kalimantan. Boeing will conduct several final tests before handing the satellite over to PSN for long-term operation.
“We will continuously monitor the satellite. This is still a critical period for the next 115 days until it reaches its orbital point at 113 degrees east longitude, directly above Kalimantan,” said PT PSN President Director Adi Rahman Adiwoso.
“We are taking it slowly. We want to make sure we do it right. It’s better to be patient, but do it right.”
Nusantara Lima Satellite: Expanding Connectivity Across Indonesia and Southeast Asia
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Built on the Boeing 702MP platform, the Nusantara Lima Satellite weighs around 7,800 kilograms and uses Ka-Band Very High Throughput Satellite (VHTS) technology, supported by XIPS electrical thrusters and Gen 7 channelisers to enhance performance and efficiency.
Designed for a lifespan of over 15 years, the satellite represents an investment of more than Rp 7 trillion.
Ryan Reid, President of Boeing Satellite Systems International Inc, described the satellite as “an extraordinary collaboration between Boeing and PSN”, noting that the project had been under development for around four years.
With a total capacity exceeding 160 gigabits per second (Gbps), SNL will serve Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Of this capacity, approximately 14 Gbps is allocated for the Philippines, 8 Gbps for Malaysia, and the remainder for Indonesia, with a focus on the country’s eastern regions.
“The digital processor on the Nusantara Lima Satellite will enable traffic and bandwidth to be flexibly reallocated to ensure the best service,” said Reid.
Director General of Digital Infrastructure at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, Wayan Toni Supriyanto said, “We are witnessing the historic launch of the Nusantara Lima Satellite, which is a source of great pride. Congratulations to PT PSN for its active role in developing Indonesia’s communication sector. We are delighted to see Indonesian satellite players like PSN competing with global players.”
Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid highlighted the satellite’s role in bridging digital gaps across Indonesia, especially in disadvantaged, frontier and outermost (3T) regions.
“The Nusantara Lima satellite is a bridge that connects Indonesia without borders. Children in Maluku and Papua will have the same access to education as children in Jakarta, patients on small islands can consult with the best doctors, and our SMEs can compete in the digital world,” said Meutya in an official statement.
The satellite is expected to be fully operational on 1 April 2026.
