SpaceX launches Indonesian telecommunication satellite
CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE — SpaceX was able to launch an Indonesian telecommunication satellite into the deep blue on Tuesday afternoon.
What You Need To Know
- The launch window opened at 3:11 p.m. ET, Tuesday
- The Telkomsat Merah Putih 2/HTS-113BT mission launched from Space Launch Complex 40
Liftoff! pic.twitter.com/JdOTFjkLjA
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) February 20, 2024
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket left right on the dot as the two-hour launch window opened at 3:11 ET for the Telkomsat Merah Putih 2 mission (Tel Kom Sat / Mare Rah / Puty).
It left from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, stated the company.
The 45th Weather Squadron gave a 95% chance of a favorable forecast for the launch, with the only concern being the cumulus clouds rule.
If there was a delay, the next launch attempt would have been on Wednesday, with a four-hour launch window that starting at 12:53 p.m. ET, stated SpaceX.
Going up
Not counting this launch, the Falcon 9’s first-stage booster B1067 has 16 successful missions on its resume.
After the first-stage separation, the Falcon 9’s booster landed on the Just Read the Instructions droneship that was out in the Atlantic Ocean.
Falcon 9 has landed on the Just Read the Instructions Droneship, completing this booster’s 17th launch and landing pic.twitter.com/q4Jwvo7dRA
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) February 20, 2024
About the mission
PT Telkom Satelit Indonesia (Telkomsa), a state-owned digital telecommunications company in Indonesia, will have its satellite sent to a geosynchronous transfer orbit, courtesy of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
The company’s 4-ton HTS-113BT (also known as Merah Putih 2) satellite will provide more than 32 gbps across Indonesia, according to a press release.
The satellite was built by Thales Alenia Space, a global space manufacturer.
