A state-of-the-art constellation of flexible Earth observation satellites under a common ground platform for defense use in Indonesia.
Thales Alenia Space has inked a comprehensive multi-mission agreement with PT Len Industri to develop an advanced Earth observation constellation featuring both radar and optical sensors. The constellation is dedicated to serving the Indonesian Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) security and sovereignty requirements.
The collaboration involves the deployment of an end-to-end system encompassing both space and ground segments within Indonesia. Combining optical and radar satellites, the Earth Observation constellation will be seamlessly integrated and operated through a multi-mission ground segment, with Telespazio contributing to its development. The system will incorporate Artificial Intelligence solutions to ensure rapid responsiveness and enhance Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance capabilities.
Operated by PT Len, the constellation aims to meet the MoD’s stringent demands for Indonesia’s security. Additionally, PT Len will develop a multimission ground segment system, providing control, maintenance, data processing, and analytic functions for the Defense Satellite System. The MoD will also gain access to an existing high-revisit Earth observation satellite constellation through PT Len’s partnership with BlackSky, offering early ISR satellite capability before the Defense Satellite System becomes operational.
Thales Alenia Space’s Earth Observation constellation will leverage the company’s proven expertise in optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technologies. The constellation draws on Thales Alenia Space’s extensive experience in delivering end-to-end systems, integrating Telespazio’s key components for the ground segment.
Commenting on the deal, Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space, said: “Thales Alenia Space, which has a long history of working with Indonesian satellite operators, is honoured to be given the opportunity to work on a crucial program for the Indonesian Defense Ministry for the first time. I would like to thank PT Len Industri for putting its trust in our company. Leveraging our long-standing expertise in Earth observation, we are proud to celebrate a new milestone towards Indonesias sovereignty and security needs, providing a one-of-a-kind integrated optical and radar system.”
Massimo Claudio Comparini, Deputy CEO and SEVP Observation, Exploration and Navigation, added: “I am extremely glad that we will contribute to meet the needs of the Indonesian Defense Ministry with our state-of-the-art labelled all-in-one radar and optical system solutions. It is the perfect combination of our long-standing expertise and industrial capabilities in optical and radar sensors as well as in smaller platforms aimed at high-visit observation systems. Once again we are pushing the limits of system capabilities with emerging space technologies.”
Bobby Rasyidin, President-Director of PT Len Industri (Persero) expressed his optimism about the collaboration between Len and Thales Alenia Space, asserting Cooperation between Len and Thales Alenia Space is a positive way to increase our independence in the defence industry.
Through this partnership, PT Len is expected to strengthen its capabilities for managing and operating satellite systems and projects. Furthermore, by handling the satellite imagery processing and analysis for this project, PT Len will strengthen its position as a critical defence system provider in Indonesia.
