The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) said the launch of the first nano-satellite in Indonesia, Surya Satellite-1 (SS-1), was the starting point which showed that young scientists and the nation's children had succeeded in making history in the latest achievements in the national space industry.
This is because the launching of nano satellites is relatively new in Indonesia, because the majority of those currently in operation and used are micro satellites which are larger in size.
"The launch and release of SS-1 into orbit will provide an injection of motivation towards the importance of mastering satellite technology for Indonesia," said Head of the BRIN Aviation and Space Research Organization (ORPA), Robertus Heru Triharjanto.
He added, SS-1 also has an important idea, namely to build the capability of Indonesia's younger generation in mastering satellite technology.
The SS-1 project was initiated by young Indonesian engineers from Surya University in collaboration with the Indonesian Amateur Radio Organization (ORARI) since March 2016. Then in 2017, SS-1 began work on and training for making nano satellites with supervision
Support also comes in the form of guidance from satellite experts starting from the design, manufacturing, assembling, to satellite testing stages. The development of this satellite is fully supported by PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN).
This multi-stakeholder collaboration is also supported by PT. Pudak Scientific and the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, as well as the role of the UN agency for outer space, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and Japan's national space agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
"This is an excellent example of cooperation between government institutions, students and the private sector, in encouraging the creation of the nation's children. Maybe from here other young people will grow who are interested in entering the space industry," said PSN CEO Adi Rahman Adiwoso , while adding that the success of the SS-1 could be a turning point in the development of the national satellite industry.
ORARI chairman Donny Imam Priambodo hopes the same thing. "I hope that in the future with this satellite, it will encourage more research in the space sector," he said.
Congratulations also came from UNOOSA and JAXA who took part in the launch of this satellite. Both UNOOSA and JAXA said this achievement was not only important for the SS-1 development team, but for all Indonesian people.
"I am confident that the SS-1 satellite will drive the momentum towards the wider use of space technology, data and applications for sustainable socio-economic development, and contribute to sustainable development goals," said UNOOSA Acting Director Niklas Hedma in a live stream of the release. SS-1 from the ISS to Earth orbit.
"I also hope that this satellite will motivate young people to pursue education and careers in STEM (science technology engineering mathematics) fields, increasing young people's interest in space activities which has proven time and time again to be an important catalyst in this context," he added. .
Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia, Kanasugi Kenji and JAXA President, Yamakawa Hiroshi said, the successful launch of the SS-1 satellite was a historic moment and they believed this success gave rise to greater courage and hope for the Indonesian people.
"I believe deploying SS1-1 into orbit will make a significant contribution to the development of space technology in Indonesia," said Ambassador Kanasugi.
"We hope that this satellite will complete its mission successfully, and hopefully the success of this project will make more young Indonesians involved in space activities, where JAXA hopes to collaborate again with them," concluded JAXA President Yamakawa Hiroshi.