Why Does Lampung Have Its Own Satellite? Here's the Expert Explanation

The Lampung-1 satellite, equipped with a hyperspectral camera, is set to be launched from the coast of Shandong, China, on Wednesday (5/8/2026). Risdi Hermansyah, Chairman of the Indonesian Satellite Association (ASSI), explained that the hyperspectral camera can observe the Earth’s surface with more detailed colour information compared to ordinary satellite cameras. This technology is typically used to identify surface characteristics.

The satellite is part of the OSE Hyperspectral Twin Satellites mission developed by the aerospace company Star Vision Aerospace, which will also own and operate the satellite. It is not an asset of the Lampung provincial government. However, according to the official Lampung provincial website, the local government will utilise the data and technology generated by the satellite to support development planning, public services, and data-driven policymaking.

Previously, information regarding changes in agricultural land, forest areas, disaster-prone zones, river quality, and infrastructure development had to be obtained through direct field surveys, with policy often lagging behind rapidly changing conditions. With Lampung-1, such information can be monitored regularly, allowing the government to obtain a faster, broader, and more accurate picture of regional conditions. This enables earlier detection of changes and forms the basis for more targeted policies. The satellite’s hyperspectral technology and AI capabilities also allow for much faster data analysis.