Equatorial Skies to Be Filled with Satellites: Indonesia's Grand Plan

Indonesia’s national satellite development continues with the latest generation satellite, Nusantara Earth Observation-1 (NEO-1). This was revealed by Nur Salma Yusuf Hasanah, First Expert Engineer at BRIN’s Satellite Technology Research Centre. Salma stated that this satellite is designed with more advanced capabilities compared to previous generations. It is equipped with a high-resolution multispectral camera for Earth observation, a magnetometer sensor for magnetic field measurements, and a data communication system. “Hopefully, it can be launched soon,” she said, quoted from BRIN’s official website on Wednesday (6/5/2026). BRIN is also developing the Nusantara Equatorial IoT (NEI) satellite, focused on early warning disaster systems. This satellite is tasked with collecting data from various sensors, such as tsunami warning systems, weather, and earthquakes. In addition, it supports disaster communication and monitoring of maritime and aviation activities. Nur explained that this satellite will be designed in a constellation form. The aim is to monitor Indonesia’s territory in real time without interruption. “It is hoped that there will be around 10 satellites orbiting in the equatorial region,” she said. For operations, these satellites are supported by ground stations that function as communication centres between ground operators and satellites in orbit. Through the ground stations, various data can be sent and received, both to support research needs and public services. To date, BRIN has four ground stations, namely in Agam, Bogor, Parepare, and Biak. “Through this development, BRIN continues to strive to enhance national space technology capacity. In the future, these satellites are expected to strengthen territory monitoring, communication, and faster and more accurate disaster handling,” she concluded.