Indonesia launches rocket into space
Updated
Now to Indonesia where the national space agency has successfully launched a rocket into space. It's the first step in a program designed to make Indonesia less dependant on other nations in the aeronautic field.
Presenter: Stephanie March
Speakers: Muhammad Muchlas, Head of the National Aeronautics and Outer Space Institute's Cooperation Division; Dr Morris Jones, Sydney Space Flight Analyst.
MARCH: In a country not renown for it's space program, when scientists from Indonesia's state funded aeronautical agency successfully launched an experimental rocket from West Java, there were calls for celebration.
MUCHLAS: Because we launched in early morning there was no wind, no rain, it was very good conditions
MARCH: Muhammad Muchlas is from the National Aeronautics and Outer Space Institute - or LAPAN.
The launch was the first stage of a five year program to enable Indonesia to launch it's own satellites into space.
So far, Indonesia have been forced to use rockets from neighbouring countries like India to launch satellites.
Sydney Space Flight Analyst Morris Jones says the launch shows that Indonesia serious about having a world class space program.
JONES: They have launched satellites, they have developed scientific instruments, they have conducted astronomical observations and now they're moving to the ultimate phase of wanting to develop a rocket, to launch satellites, from their own territory.
MARCH: He says it's very difficult to get a rocket that can successfully, and reliably operate as a space launch vechicle.
JONES: Let;s not forget that NASA who have been doing it for decades still has trouble operating reliable space transportation systems, now what LAPAN in ind is trying to do is a lot less complex than a NASA rocket but that doesn't make the task easy.
MARCH: Dr Jones says it's unlikely that Indonesia will use this type of technology in a defence capacity.
JONES: I think the overall security impact will not be a really serious problem, i think this vehicle would be more suitable for launching satellites than other types of purposes
MARCH: And whilst the launch doesn't pose any security threat to the asia region, it may stoke some rivalries with neighbouring states.
JONES: Nations in Asia are currently in the middle of a regional space race: the Koreans have just launched their first astronaut, the Indians are getting ready to build their own crew capsule for putting astronauts in space, China has sent a space probe to the moon, Japan has also done it, and later this year China is going to have their first space walk from their own space craft. So there is a lot of activity going on and it's all to do with national prestige, and technology and economic development.
