TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) and the Defense University (Unhan) explained the target of mastering rocket technology in Indonesia.
In the 'Rocket Technology' webinar, which was held in collaboration between the LAPAN Rocket Technology Center (Pustekroket) and the Defense University, Tuesday, September 22, 2020, the Rector of the Defense University, Vice Admiral TNI Amrullah Oktavian, explained some details of the target with the period.
Referring to Presidential Regulation Number 45 of 2017, he explained, in the 2016-2020 period, Indonesia developed a 3-stage sonda rocket up to 550 mm in diameter and a low attitude high subsonic rocket.
"During the same period, we conducted flight tests for non-cryogenic thrust liquid rockets of 1000-2000 kgf, flight tests for sonda rockets with atmospheric sensor loads, and increased production and testing facilities," he said, Tuesday.
According to Amrullah, rockets are a technology that is still being developed, the development of which is aimed at building a national power. He also said that a country capable of mastering rocket technology would certainly be respected by other countries in the world.
Then in the 2020-2025 period, Indonesia has a target of implementing the development of the Sonda rocket technology with a range of 30 km. Period 2026-2030 the operation of the Sonda rocket with a range of 300 km and the start of the design and construction of low earth orbit satellite orbiting rocket technology.
"Meanwhile, for the period 2031-2035, the availability of a prototype rocket orbiting the low earth orbit satellite, and the 2036-2040 period the launch of the earth orbit satellite orbiting rocket," said Amrullah who is also an expert on anti-submarine specialization.
The state-owned rocket technology, Amrullah said, made the country have a level of independence in launching satellites, both for civilian needs and for the interests of national defense.
"With the continuous development of rocket technology, of course it will have an impact and benefit in various aspects of life, not only in the realm of defense," said the member of the Indonesian Navy.
These targets were also conveyed by the Deputy for Aviation and Space Technology of LAPAN Rika Andiarti. According to him, rocket development is one of the space activities that must be mastered, including the development of satellites, aeronautics, and others.
Rika also said that the policy direction for rocket development in Indonesia was clear and strong, because it had already been stipulated as a rule. Starting from the Space Law Number 21 of 2013, the master plan for space, including the RPJMN Presidential Decree, which draws data from national research priority programs. "So the policy is very strong," said Rika.
According to Rika, Indonesia in 2040 targets to have the ability to launch its own rockets and satellites, and this will be carried out on Indonesian soil. "But this capability needs to be supported by the rocket industry," said Rika.
Meanwhile, Aviation and Space Policy Researcher LAPAN Mardianis explained that there are several challenges that should be anticipated in mastering rocket technology in Indonesia. From a political perspective, it is the security of the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and the existence of a prohibition regime, as well as the monopoly of launching.
Meanwhile, from a legal perspective, what must be anticipated is the launch contract or agreement for the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and its relation to the RPP for technological mastery. "The economic aspect is the high risk, the benefits are not instantaneous," he said.