Development of an Indonesian Micro Satellite

This article describes the development of a micro satellite conducted by LAPAN (The National Institute of Aeronautics and Space of Indonesia in collaboration with Berlin Technical University (TU-Berlin) which is started in January 2004. LAPAN has been involved in many space projects since its establishment. Among others are the operation of ground stations for satellite remote sensing and GPS for the benefit of national users. While applications of space technologies have been in place for more than 20 years in this country, mastery of these technologies is significantly lagging behind, notably compared with some other Asian nations. Facing that strategic challenge, LAPAN has started to develop an Indonesian Micro Satellite, defined as a satellite with a mass between 50 – 80 kg. The purpose of this satellite will be for remote sensing and e-mail application. In this effort, cooperation with other institutions is a must. The program touches not only on the research efforts, but could and should be linked to other national development issues such as education and manufacturing.