SpaceX Soars High—Nusantara Lima Satellite Launch Success!

On September 11, SpaceX achieved yet another monumental feat, successfully launching the Nusantara Lima satellite for an Indonesian telecommunications giant. The grand event unfolded at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 9:56 p.m. EDT (which was 0156 GMT the following day), after a brief three-day delay due to less-than-ideal weather.

The Falcon 9 rocket soared into the night sky, and like clockwork, its first stage made a triumphant return to Earth a swift 8.5 minutes later, landing on the SpaceX drone ship "A Shortfall of Gravitas" stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. This was an impressive 23rd successful launch and landing for this particular booster, designated 1078, just seven shy of SpaceX's remarkable reflight record.

What’s in Store for Nusantara Lima?

As the Falcon 9's upper stage continued its journey, it carried the Nusantara Lima satellite to a geosynchronous transfer orbit, where it was deployed flawlessly 27.5 minutes after takeoff. Crafted by Boeing, this satellite will find its home 22,236 miles (35,785 kilometers) high above Earth—an orbit where it can maintain a fixed position over a specific area, making it ideal for communication, weather monitoring, and reconnaissance.

Scheduled to go operational in 2026 following thorough checkouts, Nusantara Lima will revolutionize connectivity across Indonesia's sprawling 17,000 islands and beyond. PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN), Indonesia's pioneer in satellite-based telecommunications, is gearing up to use this powerhouse to deliver services like never before.

A Legacy of Connectivity for Indonesia!

"Indonesia was among the first nations to embrace satellite communications for connecting its citizens, and Nusantara Lima proudly continues this tradition," stated Adi Rahman Adiwoso, CEO of PSN Group, in a recent Boeing announcement. He went on to emphasize the satellite's mission: empowering communities, schools, and businesses that have struggled with reliable internet access.

With a colossal capacity exceeding 160 Gbps, Nusantara Lima represents a significant leap forward in Indonesia's telecommunications infrastructure. Adiwoso concluded, "Our collaboration with Boeing and other global tech partners is dedicated to ensuring that no one is left behind as Indonesia continues to develop and grow."