Indonesia plans to construct its first spaceport in Biak, Papua, to serve the country’s rocket test launches, the country’s National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) has confirmed.
A rocket takes off into the sky (Source: Shutterstock/Alones)
Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia plans to construct its first spaceport in Biak,Papua, to serve the country’s rocket test launches, 📖the country’s NationalInstitute of Aeronautics andꦫ Space (LAPAN) has confirmed.
LAPAN flightand aerospace study centre head Robertus Heru Trijahyanto said Indonesia willbuild the spaceport following LAPAN’s existing rocket launch site in SouthGarut on West Java. However, it will be bigger so that it can be used forlarger test launches. Biak waschosen because the regency’s vast area was deemed ideal to support LAPAN’s planto conduct larger tests in 2024, he added. Meanwhile,LAPAN Chairman Thomas Djamaluddin said the planned new spaceport would helpIndonesia master the technology and operation for satellite launches. LAPAN can alreadymake satellites of its own, he said, adding the next target is to launch asatellite using Indonesian-made rockets from a spaceport in the country. The firststage of construction is expected to be completed before 2024, Djamaluddinsaid, adding that the spaceport would be constructed with the help ofinternational partners./.
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A rocket takes off into the sky (Source: Shutterstock/Alones) 
