SpaceX to Launch Nusantara Lima Satellite from Cape Canaveral Tonight

SpaceX is set to launch the Nusantara Lima satellite, developed by Boeing for Indonesia’s Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN), from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station today at 20:02 EDT (00:02 UTC). This mission marks a significant step in enhancing Indonesia’s space-based communication capabilities.

Launch Details and Weather Conditions

The launch will take place from pad 40, with a 116-minute launch window. As of Sunday, the 45th Weather Squadron forecasted a 30 percent likelihood of favorable weather at the window’s opening, which improves to 45 percent as the launch window progresses. Meteorologists predict a “high likelihood of showers and storms,” affecting both the overnight and morning hours leading up to the launch.

Weather officers noted, “Deep atmospheric moisture will remain entrenched across Florida into early next week.” They added that a weak boundary will oscillate over Central Florida before a stronger front arrives mid-week, contributing to an unstable weather pattern.

Technical Specifications and Satellite Purpose

The Nusantara Lima, or N5 for short, is built on Boeing’s 702MP Very High Throughput Satellite (VHTS) platform. It is designed to provide a capacity of 160 Gbps through its 101 Ka-band spot beams, with an anticipated operational lifespan exceeding 15 years. The satellite is projected to deploy from the Falcon 9’s upper stage over 27 minutes after liftoff, with signal acquisition expected approximately 15-30 minutes post-separation.

Once in orbit, N5 will operate at 113 degrees East over the Equator, with service expected to commence in early 2026. This satellite aims to augment the capabilities of the Satria-1 satellite, which launched in June 2023.

Ryan Reid, president of Boeing Satellite Systems International, stated, “With Nusantara Lima, we’re proud to continue that legacy, delivering a reliable, high-throughput solution tailored to Indonesia’s unique geography and connectivity needs.” He emphasized Boeing’s long-standing commitment to serving Indonesia and the Asia-Pacific region, dating back to the launch of the Palapa A1 satellite in 1976.

The N5 satellite was initially slated for launch in 2023 but faced delays. Spaceflight Now reached out to PSN regarding the reasons for the postponement but did not receive a response prior to publication.

SpaceX and Launch Operations

SpaceX will utilize its Falcon 9 rocket for the launch, employing a veteran first-stage booster designated B1078. This flight will mark the booster’s 23rd mission, which includes notable launches such as NASA’s Crew-6 and USSF-124 missions. After propelling the rocket out of the lower atmosphere, the booster is scheduled to land on the drone ship, A Shortfall of Gravitas, in the Atlantic Ocean. A successful recovery would represent the 124th for that vessel and the 502nd overall for SpaceX.

The N5 satellite is processed in a clean room before being encapsulated in payload fairings for the Falcon 9. This meticulous preparation highlights the importance of reliability and performance for satellite missions in the competitive communication sector.

As the world watches, the successful launch of the Nusantara Lima satellite will not only bolster Indonesia’s communication infrastructure but also signify a notable achievement in the partnership between PSN and Boeing.