SpaceX has launched the Indonesian satellite Nusantara Lima into orbit
By ForGeeks
SpaceX conducted its 114th Falcon 9 launch in 2025, sending a communications satellite into orbit for Indonesian telecom company PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN). The launch took place on September 11 at 9:56 p.m. ET (01:56 MSC on September 12) from the Cape Canaveral Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
The launch took place at 9:56 p.m. ET on September 11 (01:56 MSC on September 12).
Mission Details
The launch was delayed for three days due to bad weather. The Falcon 9 rocket launched successfully, and its first stage returned to Earth 8.5 minutes later, landing softly on the drone ship «A Shortfall of Gravitas» in the Atlantic Ocean. It was the 23rd flight of this booster (serial number B1078) — just seven launches short of the current reusability record set in August.
The flight was the 23rd flight of this booster (serial number B1078) — just seven launches short of the current reusability record set in August.
The second stage placed the Nusantara Lima vehicle into a geo-transition orbit 27.5 minutes after liftoff. The satellite will then take its operational position in geostationary orbit at an altitude of 35,785 kilometers.
Satellite Nusantara Lima
The craft was built by Boeing and is designed to begin operations in 2026 after a series of tests. It has a throughput capacity of more than 160 Gbps. The satellite will provide connectivity to more than 17,000 islands in Indonesia and neighboring countries.
The satellite is designed by Boeing and is set to begin operations in 2026 after a series of tests.
PSN Group CEO Adi Rahman Adiwoso said the project continues the country’s long tradition of satellite connectivity:«This satellite will provide opportunities for schools, businesses and communities that have never had reliable access. Our collaboration with Boeing and international partners ensures that no one will be left behind» in Indonesia’s development process.
Adimanwoso said the project will continue the country’s long tradition of satellite connectivity.
Context: SpaceX in 2025
The launch was the 114th Falcon 9 mission since the beginning of the year. More than 70% of those launches have been dedicated to deploying the Starlink satellite constellation, which has more than 8,300 active vehicles in low-Earth orbit.
In addition, SpaceX has performed four test launches of the Starship launch vehicle, the most recent of which took place on Aug. 26 and was successful. The system is seen by the company as a key enabler for future missions to Mars and other long-range targets.
