Elon Musk’s SpaceX Helps Keep Costs Down on Launch of Telkom’s Merah Putih Satellite
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Telkom Indonesia, the country’s largest telecommunications company, will save up to a quarter of the cost involved in the launch of its latest satellite through reusable rocket technology.
The Merah Putih satellite cost $165 million to develop, launch and insure against launch failure, Zulhelfi Abidin, Telkom’s network and information technology solutions director, said on Sunday (05/08). In comparison, Telkom-3S satellite, launched on Feb. 15, 2016, cost Telkom $215 million.
Bank Rakyat Indonesia’s 2016 BRIsat project – the world’s first satellite owned and operated by a bank – cost the state-owned lender $250 million to develop and launch, by Europe’s Arianespace.
Telkom contracted billionaire Elon Musk’s Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, better known as SpaceX, for the Merah Putih launch. The satellite will hitch a ride on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, which can be reused up to 10 times.
“The process of combining the rocket with the satellite is already completed, so all that’s left is to wait for the launch,” Zulhelfi said.
The satellite will be launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Orlando, Florida, on Tuesday.
Telkom hopes Merah Putih will help it provide extended communication services across Indonesia, particularly in the country’s remote and outermost regions. The company also hopes to use the satellite to increase its business opportunities in South Asia.
Questions & Answers
Q.How much less did the Merah Putih satellite project cost compared to Telkom’s previous satellite?
How much less did the Merah Putih satellite project cost compared to Telkom’s previous satellite?
The Merah Putih satellite cost $165 million. In comparison, the Telkom-3S satellite, launched in 2016, cost $215 million, making the Merah Putih project $50 million cheaper.
Q.What is the primary reason for the cost savings on the Merah Putih satellite launch?
What is the primary reason for the cost savings on the Merah Putih satellite launch?
The cost savings are attributed to the use of reusable rocket technology. Telkom contracted SpaceX, whose Falcon 9 rocket can be reused multiple times, to launch the satellite.
Q.Where will the Merah Putih satellite be launched from, and when is the launch scheduled?
Where will the Merah Putih satellite be launched from, and when is the launch scheduled?
The satellite will be launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Orlando, Florida. The launch is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, as stated in the article.
Q.What are Telkom's main objectives for launching the Merah Putih satellite?
What are Telkom's main objectives for launching the Merah Putih satellite?
Telkom aims to provide extended communication services across Indonesia, especially in remote regions. The company also hopes to use the satellite to expand business opportunities in South Asia.
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