A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to deploy the HTS-113BT telecommunications satellite in a geosynchronous orbit this afternoon, marking a big advancement in Indonesia’s telecommunications infrastructure. The mission launched into a beautiful blue Florida sky right on time at 3:11 pm from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
This mission marks the 16th launch for SpaceX in 2024 and the 316th mission in the company’s history, emphasizing SpaceX’s reliable and economical approach to delivering cargo to space.
The HTS-113BT satellite, operated by PT Telkom Satelit Indonesia (Telkomsat), a state-owned digital telecommunication company, is designed to enhance connectivity across Indonesia. Built on the Spacebus 4000B2 platform by Thales Alenia Space, the satellite boasts a capacity of over 32 Gbps in the C-band/Ku-Band spectrum. Weighing approximately 4,000 kg at launch, HTS-113BT is set for a 15-year service life, positioning it as a long-term asset for Indonesia’s digital infrastructure.
Photo: Thales Alenia Space_E.Briot
The Falcon 9 rocket, known for its booster and fairing reusability, is the key to SpaceX’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in space launches. The rocket’s first stage features nine Merlin 1D engines, designed for high thrust and reliability, capable of supporting a safe landing even if an engine fails during ascent. The second stage, which is expendable, is equipped with a single Merlin Vacuum engine, enabling precise payload delivery in the vacuum of space to various orbits through multiple burns.
Post-launch, the Falcon 9’s first stage made a controlled landing on the Autonomous Spaceport Drone Ship, named, Just Read the Instructions, demonstrating again SpaceX’s successful ability to reuse portions of their rockets. This aspect of the mission highlights the company’s efforts to reduce the cost of access to space, a cornerstone of SpaceX’s philosophy.
