BRIN Strengthens National Space Sector Through LAPAN Satellites to NEO-1

JAKARTA - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) continues to strengthen Indonesian space technology. This can be seen from BRIN's success in launching three national satellites with different missions.

Some of the satellites that have been successfully launched into space so far are LAPAN-A1, LAPAN-A2, and LAPAN-A3. The LAPAN-A1 satellite was launched in 2007, as part of a collaboration between Indonesian technicians and the Technical University of Berlin.

Even though the satellite camera is no longer functioning, this experimental satellite is still able to receive commands after its operational life ends. Meanwhile, LAPAN-A2 is a new milestone for BRIN.

This is because this satellite is entirely built by researchers in the country. This second generation satellite is designed to mitigate disasters and monitor ship traffic throughout Indonesian waters.

Meanwhile, LAPAN-A3 was developed together with the Bogor Agricultural Institute with much more advanced technology. This satellite is equipped with a multispectral camera to monitor the condition of agricultural land vegetation throughout Indonesia.

All data from these satellites are controlled directly by BRIN through the network of BRIN Earth Stations spread across various regions. The control facility is located in Bogor, West Sumatra, South Sulawesi, to Biak in Papua.

Currently, BRIN is focusing on completing the development of the fourth generation satellite named Nusantara Earth Observation-1 or NEO-1. This latest satellite is planned to take off at the end of 2026.

Currently, NEO-1 is entering the stage of comprehensive component testing and system integration. The presence of this satellite is expected to strengthen the ability to accurately observe Earth in Indonesia.

"The latest satellite currently being developed is NEO-1. Currently, the satellite has entered the testing and integration phase," said Suraduita Mupasanta, First Expert Engineer of the BRIN Satellite Technology Research Center, quoted on Thursday, January 15.