Press Release

Jakarta, 12 September 2025 – PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN), Indonesia’s first private satellite company, has successfully launched the Nusantara Lima Satellite (SNL) into orbit using Space Exploration Technologies Corporation’s (SpaceX) Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, United States, on Thursday (11/9) local time. The launch followed three previous delays caused by unfavorable weather conditions.

SNL is a 160 Gigabit per Second (Gbps) capacity satellite—the largest in Asia—capable of delivering internet access services across Indonesia as well as to the Philippines and Malaysia.

The launch was witnessed by Wayan Toni Supriyanto, S.T, M.M, Director General of Postal and Informatics Operations at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, along with partners and stakeholders involved in the project. The satellite is expected to play a key role in strengthening national capacity for domestic markets, expanding internet access, advancing telecommunications technology, developing space-based human resources, supporting disaster mitigation, environmental monitoring, and bolstering defense and security.

Adi Rahman Adiwoso, President Director of PSN, stated that the successful launch of SNL further reinforces Indonesia’s capability and credibility as a significant player in the global space industry. He emphasized that this achievement demonstrates Indonesia’s ability to develop internet-based infrastructure while marking an important momentum to establish a roadmap for the national space industry. “We extend our gratitude for the hard work and strong collaboration between PSN, Boeing Satellite System International Inc, and SpaceX, as well as the strong support from the Government of Indonesia, which ensured this launch went smoothly as planned. With the spirit of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Anniversary, we hope the presence of SNL will create significant impact across various aspects of life and support the government’s vision of space sovereignty,” Adi Rahman said in an official statement.

The launch had initially been scheduled for Monday (8/9) local time but was postponed due to rain and lightning. A second attempt on Tuesday (9/9) was also delayed, followed by a third postponement due to poor weather and minor technical issues with the rocket. The fourth attempt, conducted on Thursday (11/9), was finally successful.

Adi Rahman explained that postponements are common in space missions given the many factors that must be considered. “The decision was based on SpaceX’s evaluations. PSN fully supported SpaceX’s decision to prioritize system safety and mission success. Overall, Nusantara Lima is in excellent condition and on track to reach its designated orbit,” he added.

SNL is equipped with Very High Throughput Satellite (VHTS) technology, enabling greater bandwidth capacity to provide broadband services throughout Indonesia and ASEAN countries, including the Philippines and Malaysia. Weighing 7.8 tons, the satellite features a hybrid propulsion system combining chemical and Xenon-Ion electric propulsion (XIPS), which is ten times more efficient than conventional satellites, and 101 spot beams operating in the Ka-band frequency.

To support the operations of Asia’s largest-capacity satellite, PSN is collaborating with Hughes Network Systems to build eight ground stations located in Banda Aceh, Bengkulu, Cikarang, Gresik, Banjarmasin, Tarakan, Kupang, and Makassar. Satrio Adiwicaksono, Project Director of Nusantara Lima and PSN Technology Director, explained that distributing the ground stations across western, central, and eastern Indonesia ensures that SNL services reach remote, frontier, and outermost regions (3T) that have long struggled with internet access.

“PSN believes that reliable internet access is the right of every Indonesian citizen amid today’s rapid digital transformation. We hope PSN’s services can act as a catalyst to improve quality of life and contribute to Indonesia’s progress and prosperity,” said Satrio.

SNL will require four to five months of travel through space before occupying its orbital slot at 113 degrees East Longitude. Once in orbit, PSN will conduct In-Orbit Testing (IOT) for three weeks to ensure all satellite systems function properly. This will be followed by an In-Orbit Acceptance Review (IOAR) to confirm that SNL and its supporting ground segment, including the eight ground stations and communication networks, are fully integrated and operational.

SNL Services Extend to ASEAN

With its large capacity, SNL will also provide services to the Philippines and Malaysia. According to Adi Rahman, PSN had signed a cooperation agreement in late 2022 with We Are IT Philippines Inc to deliver internet connectivity to remote areas in the Philippines with a capacity of 13.5 Gbps. This expansion into ASEAN strengthens both the company’s and Indonesia’s reputation on the international stage.

“The expansion of PSN’s services into ASEAN highlights the capability of an Indonesian company in satellite and space technology on the global stage. We will continue to innovate in products and services to unlock new market potential in the future, while also advancing the mission of building a sovereign and independent national space industry,” Adi Rahman concluded.