JAKARTA (JP): After successfully launching its LAPAN-TUBSAT satellite last year, the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (Lapan) is preparing to construct a second generation version of the earth surveillance satellite for orbit in 2010.<\/p>\n
While the construction of the first satellite took place in Germany under the supervision of a professor from the Technische Universitaet Berlin, the construction of the next, named LAPAN-A2, will take place in Indonesia entirely under Indonesian engineers, Lapan head Adi Sadewo Salatun told reporters in Bogor on Thursday.<\/p>\n
Adi said several Indonesian engineers had been fully involved in the development and manufacturing process of the LAPAN-TUBSAT satellite from 2003 to 2005. They also learned to control the satellite from the Rumpin ground station in Bogor throughout 2007.<\/p>\n
\"We gained very valuable experience from developing the LAPAN-TUBSAT satellite and operating it for a year; this is helping our engineers construct the LAPAN-A2 satellite independently and will maximize its use,\" Adi said on the sidelines of a seminar on LAPAN-TUBSAT evaluation.<\/p>\n
Lapan has scheduled a procurement and component test for the LAPAN-A2 for this year, an integration and satellite test for 2009 and the launch for 2010.<\/p>\n
Lapan's deputy of its aviation technology division, Soewarto Hardhienata, said the LAPAN-A2 would have an equatorial orbit, not a polar orbit like the LAPAN-TUBSAT. The equatorial orbit will enable the LAPAN-A2 to pass over the archipelago morefrequently.<\/p>\n
The LAPAN-A2 will also be equipped with a navigation system that enables ground engineers to control the satellite's position all the time. (wda\/**<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/lapan-to-develop-second-satellite-1201827489", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }