SpaceX Launches Telecommunications Satellite for Indonesia

Merah Putih-2. Photo: Thales Alenia Space

SpaceX successfully launched a telecommunications satellite for Indonesia, Merah-Putih-2, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Tuesday, Feb 20. Merah-Putih-2, named after Indonesia’s flag colors, was designed to improve connectivity in the country. 

Thales Alenia Space built the satellite, which was modeled after the Spacebus 4000B2 platform, and it provides at least 32 gigabits per second of capacity. Merah-Putih-2 carries active transponders on C-band and Ku-band frequencies to expand the coverage to all areas of Indonesia. 

Thales Alenia Space is providing full support for the ground control segment by conducting satellite operations training sessions for Telkomsat engineers in both France and Indonesia. Thales is also monitoring the early orbital positioning phase (LEOP), in-orbit tests and in-orbit support throughout the satellite’s 15-year design life. 

PT Telkom Satelit Indonesia, the leading satellite service provider in Indonesia, signed  the contract for Thales to build Merah-Putih-2 in 2021.

“This is an important milestone for TelkomGroup, especially in supporting the realization of equal access to connectivity throughout Indonesia,” Ririek Adriansyah, Telkom’s main director, said in a press release. 

SpaceX said this was the 17th launch of the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched CRS-22, Crew-3, Turksat 5B, Crew-4, CRS-25, Eutelsat HOTBIRD 13G, mPOWER-a, PSN SATRIA, and eight Starlink missions.