SATRIA-1 Satellite Successfully Launched, Kemenkominfo Targets Internet Access For 50,000 Points In 3T Region

The Republic of Indonesia (SATRIA-1) satellite successfully launched on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. (Commissioner/image YouTube Screenshot)

JAKARTA - The Republic of Indonesia (SATRIA-1) satellite successfully launched on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC 40), Florida, United States (US).

SATRIA-1 took off at 6:21 p.m. local time, spending only 10 minutes of short launch. However, it was delayed from the specified time at 18.04.

SATRIA-1 is a Very High Throughput Satellite (VHTS) multifunctional technology satellite with a Ka-Band frequency. He will be the largest in Asia and number five in the world in terms of capacity, for classes above 100Gbps. The internet capacity provided can reach 150Gbps.

The large capacity will be channeled to overcome digital inequalities in the Outermost, Outermost, and Disadvantaged (3T) remote areas.

In addition, SATRIA-1 utilizes the concept of frequency reuse for frequency use efficiency and increased bandwidth capacity compared to conventional technology.

The existence of SATRIA-1 complements the provision of internet access through the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) and the Palapa Ring fiber optic cable network.

After the launch, SATRIA-1 will conduct an Electric Orbit Raising (EOR) for about 145 days from the separation of the satellite from its launch vehicle until it arrives at orbit position 146 East Longitude.

At the orbital position, the satellite will undergo a series of tests, such as In Orbit Testing (IOT), In-Orbit Acceptance Review (IOAR), and End-to-End Test (E2E Test), to ensure optimal satellite performance.

The plan is that in the fourth week of December 2023, SATRIA-1 will be ready to operate and connect with the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) earth reception station, and be connected to the Remote Ground Segment Terminal (RTGS) at the public service location.

BAKTI Kominfo will provide access for 50,000 public service points in the early stages. Such as fast internet access service facilities for public education, health and government service points. Next will adjust to the needs of the community.

"For example, at the village office we place the wifi there, the village government can use it for training for MSME actors. I think the benefits are indirectly to the community," said the Director General of Information and Public Communication at the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, Usman Kansong some time ago.

"Because SATRIA-1 is part of digital transformation which will also have an impact on people's welfare in the end," he added.