SpaceX successfully launched its 114th Falcon 9 mission of 2025, deploying the Nusantara Lima satellite into orbit for PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN), Indonesia's leading private satellite-based telecom company. The launch, taking place on September 11th from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, overcame a three-day weather delay. The Falcon 9 rocket's first stage executed a precision landing on the drone ship 'A Shortfall of Gravitas' in the Atlantic Ocean, marking its 23rd successful landing. This particular booster, designated 1078, continues to demonstrate SpaceX's commitment to reusable rocket technology.
Twenty-seven and a half minutes after launch, the upper stage successfully deployed the Boeing-built Nusantara Lima into geosynchronous transfer orbit. This strategically chosen orbit, approximately 35,785 kilometers above Earth, allows the satellite to maintain a fixed position relative to the planet, ideal for communications. Nusantara Lima, boasting a capacity exceeding 160 Gbps, is poised to revolutionize connectivity across Indonesia's vast archipelago and neighboring countries. Operations are expected to commence in 2026 following a series of post-launch checks.
This launch underscores the growing reliance on satellite technology for bridging the digital divide. Adi Rahman Adiwoso, CEO of PSN Group, highlighted the project's significance in connecting underserved communities, schools, and businesses across Indonesia. The Nusantara Lima mission represents a significant step towards enhancing digital infrastructure and fostering economic growth throughout the region. This mission follows other successful SpaceX endeavors, including multiple Starlink deployments and recent Starship test flights, reinforcing SpaceX’s leading role in space exploration and commercial satellite launches. The launch also showcases the continued growth and advancement in satellite technology and its potential to connect even the most remote populations. The satellite's high-bandwidth capacity promises to significantly improve internet access and communication services for millions of people.
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Originally published at: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-launches-powerful-satellite-to-orbit-for-indonesian-telecom-company
