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Indonesia's Telkom launches newest satellite
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The Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Merah Putih satellite is launched in Cape Canaveral in Florida, the United States, on Monday. The satellite, owned by state-owned telecommunication company PT Telkom Tbk., will reach its orbit on Aug. 18. (Antara/Saptono)
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tate telecommunications company PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) witnessed its newest satellite, Satelit Merah Putih, launched into space from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the United States, at 1:15 a.m. Tuesday, or around midday in Jakarta.
The satellite is expected to reach its orbit at about 32,000 kilometers above sea level within the next 11 days before its full operation in the third week of September.
The new satellite will replace the aging Telkom 1 satellite, which has been in operation since 1999.
Equipped with 60 transponders, Satelit Merah Putih will support the existing Telkom 2 and Telkom 3S satellites to provide services for customers in Indonesia and foreign countries amid rising demand.
The satellite launch event was live streamed via Telkom's YouTube channel and Usee TV television. Communications and Information Minister Rudiantara reportedly watched the launch event from Telkom's office in Jakarta.
Satelit Merah Putih, previously known as Telkom 4, has 60 transponders, 24 of which will be dedicated to customers in Southeast and South Asian countries. Meanwhile, the remaining 36 transponders will serve domestic customers. (dmr)
