Indonesia’s space technology ambitions are moving forward again, this time through a new generation satellite designed with more advanced capabilities and a wider role in national monitoring systems. The satellite is called Nusantara Earth Observation-1, or NEO-1.
Developed as part of the country’s continuing satellite program, NEO-1 is being prepared with technology that goes beyond previous generations.
Nur Salma Yusuf Hasanah, a First Expert Engineer at BRIN’s Satellite Technology Research Center, explained that the satellite carries several upgraded systems. One of its main features is a high-resolution multispectral camera used for earth observation. The satellite is also equipped with a magnetometer sensor to measure magnetic fields, along with a dedicated data communication system.
“Hopefully it can be launched soon,” she said, as quoted from BRIN’s official website on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
At the same time, BRIN is also working on another satellite project called Nusantara Equatorial IoT, or NEI. Unlike NEO-1, this satellite is focused more on disaster early warning systems and real-time monitoring.
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The NEI satellite is designed to collect information from various sensors connected to tsunami warning systems, weather monitoring equipment, and earthquake detection systems. Beyond disaster mitigation, the satellite is also expected to support emergency communication networks as well as monitoring activities in maritime and aviation sectors.
According to Nur, the long-term plan is not limited to a single satellite. The system will eventually operate as a constellation. That means multiple satellites will orbit together to continuously monitor Indonesian territory without interruption.
“The hope is to have around 10 satellites orbiting in the equatorial region,” she said.
To support these operations, BRIN already relies on several ground stations across Indonesia. These facilities act as communication hubs between satellites in orbit and operators on Earth.
Through the ground stations, data can be transmitted and received for various purposes, ranging from scientific research to public service support. At present, BRIN operates four ground stations located in Agam, Bogor, Parepare, and Biak.
The broader goal behind these projects is to strengthen Indonesia’s national space technology capabilities. Faster communication systems, more accurate territorial monitoring, and quicker disaster response are among the main targets moving forward.
“Through this development, BRIN continues to improve the nation’s space technology capacity. In the future, these satellites are expected to strengthen territorial monitoring, communication, and disaster response in a faster and more accurate way,” she concluded.
