Weren’t the stars brighter when we were kids. Now let’s explore the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space. It once stood as Indonesia’s premier space agency. Today we see the legacy of LAPAN.
The National Institute of Aeronautics and Space was established on November 27 1963. Former President Sukarno founded it. He envisioned a future where Indonesia reached for the stars.
For decades LAPAN spearheaded Indonesian aerospace research. It managed satellites and developed sounding rockets. LAPAN even aimed to create small orbital space launchers.
The LAPAN-TUBsat marked a significant achievement. Launched in 2007 it was a small scientific technology satellite. The LAPAN A1 was launched by India. LAPAN A2 followed in 2015.
But times change. In 2021 Presidential Decree No 33/2021 changed everything. LAPAN was disbanded as an independent agency. It fused into the National Research and Innovation Agency or BRIN. This was part of a broader government restructuring. Other research agencies like BPPT BATAN and LIPI also joined BRIN.
LAPAN officially dissolved on September 1 2021. It transformed into BRIN’s space and aeronautics research organization. This signaled institutional integration.
LAPAN’s history is rich. In 1962 Indonesia began aeronautics exploration. The Aeronautics Committee was established by Prime Minister Djuanda. The Initial Scientific and Military Rocket Project or PRIMA soon followed. AURI Indonesian Air Force and ITB Bandung Institute of Technology collaborated. They launched two Kartika I series rockets.
LAPAN’s programs spanned rocketry remote sensing satellites and space sciences. Palapa A1 launched in 1976. Palapa A2 launched in 1977. These satellites improved Indonesian telecommunications. They were similar to Canada’s Anik and Western Union’s Westars. The satellites were government-owned by Perumtel. They were made in the United States.
The development of microsatellites became a LAPAN opportunity. These smaller satellites required limited budgets and facilities. LAPAN-A1 also known as LAPAN-TUBsat helped develop micro-satellite technology. It partnered with Technische Universität Berlin in Germany. The satellite included a new star sensor and video cameras.
LAPAN-A2 or LAPAN-ORARI focused on Earth observation. It used an RGB camera and maritime traffic monitoring. Amateur radio communication was included. This satellite launched as a secondary payload with India’s ASTROSAT mission.
LAPAN-A3 also known as LAPAN-IPB performed experimental remote sensing. It supported a global AIS mission and amateur radio communication. This satellite launched in June 2016.
LAPAN pursued international cooperation. In 2008 Indonesia signed an agreement with Ukraine’s National Space Agency. This agreement aimed to facilitate access to rocket and satellite technologies.
LAPAN had spaceport development plans. Biak Island Enggano Island and Morotai Island were considered. Each location offered unique advantages. The Biak spaceport plan involved air launch technology with Russia. The Enggano launchpad plan faced environmental concerns. The Morotai spaceport plan considered equatorial proximity and existing infrastructure.
LAPAN managed ground stations. The Remote Sensing Satellite Earth Station is in Parepare South Sulawesi. Weather satellite ground stations are in Pekayon Jakarta and Biak.
The Rocket Launching Station is located at Pameungpeuk Beach in West Java. This facility was built through cooperation between Indonesia and Japan.
LAPAN operated radar facilities. The Koto Tabang Equator Atmospheric Radar is in West Sumatra. It is used for atmospheric dynamics research.
LAPAN maintained several laboratories. These included the Remote Sensing Technology and Data Laboratory the Rocket Motor Laboratory and the Satellite Technology Laboratory.
LAPAN also had observatories. The Equatorial Atmosphere Observatory is in Koto Tabang West Sumatera. It researches atmospheric conditions. The National Observatory or Obnas is on Mount Timau in East Nusa Tenggara.
LAPAN developed rockets. These rockets are classified as RX followed by the diameter in millimeters. The RX-420 was planned as a rocket booster for the Orbital Satellite Rocket.
LAPAN put its library online in June 2009. It had over 8000 titles on aeronautics and astronautics.
Though LAPAN no longer exists as an independent entity its legacy endures. Its contributions continue through BRIN.
So as we stand here remember LAPAN’s journey. Remember its ambition and its achievements. The spirit of exploration continues to inspire. The quest for the stars remains alive.