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{{short description|Former Indonesian space agency}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2020}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{outdated|date=June 2025}}
{{Infobox space agency
|name              = Indonesian National Institute of Aeronautics and Space
|native_name       = Lembaga Penerbangan dan Antariksa Nasional
|acronym           = LAPAN
|image             = LAPAN logo 2015.svg
|caption           = LAPAN logo
|size              = 180px
|headquarters      = [[Rawamangun]], [[Pulo Gadung]], [[DKI Jakarta]]
|spaceport         = [[Stasiun Peluncuran Roket|Pamengpeuk Spaceport]]
|established       = {{Start date and age|1963|11|27}}
|employees         = 1,246 (2020)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lapan.go.id/sdm-lapan|title=SDM LAPAN|publisher=LAPAN|language=id|date=2020|access-date=3 October 2020}}</ref>
|administrator     = Thomas Djamaluddin
|budget            = Rp.792 billion (US$55 million) (2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kemenkeu.go.id/media/10378/ruu-apbn-2019.pdf|title=RUU APBN 2019|publisher=[[Ministry of Finance (Indonesia)|Ministry of Finance]]|language=id|date=2019|access-date=3 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ppid.lapan.go.id/unduh-file/1568192572.pdf%7C%7Cdipa-lapan-2019|title=DIPA LAPAN 2019|publisher=PPID LAPAN|language=id|format=PDF|date=2019|access-date=3 October 2020}}</ref>
|owner             = 
|URL               = {{URL|http://www.lapan.go.id/}}
|dissolved         = {{End date and age|2021|09|01}}
|superseding1      = [[Research Organization for Aeronautics and Space]]
|superseding2      = [[Indonesian Space Agency]] of [[National Research and Innovation Agency (Indonesia)|National Research and Innovation Agency]]}}

The '''National Institute of Aeronautics and Space''' ({{langx|id|Lembaga Penerbangan dan Antariksa Nasional}}, LAPAN) was the [[Indonesia]]n government's [[List of space agencies|space agency]].  It was established on 27 November 1963, by former Indonesian president [[Sukarno]], after one year's existence of a previous, informal space agency organization. LAPAN is responsible for long-term civilian and military aerospace research.

For over two decades, LAPAN managed [[satellite]]s, including the domain-developed small scientific-technology satellite [[Lapan-TUBsat|LAPAN-TUBsat]] and the [[Palapa]] series of telecommunication satellites, which were built by Hughes (now [[Boeing Satellite Systems]]) and launched from the US on [[Delta (rocket family)|Delta]] rockets, or from [[French Guiana]] using [[Ariane 4]] and [[Ariane 5]] rockets. LAPAN has also developed [[sounding rocket]]s and has been trying to develop small orbital [[space launch vehicle|space launchers]]. The LAPAN A1, in 2007, and LAPAN A2, in 2015, satellites were launched by India.<ref name=LAPAN>{{cite web|url=http://en.tempo.co/read/news/2016/05/25/310773833/Lapan-A3-Satellite-to-be-Launched-in-June |title=Lapan A3 Satellite to be Launched in June |date=May 25, 2016}}</ref>

With the enactment of Presidential Decree No. 33/2021 on 5 May 2021, LAPAN is due to be disbanded along with government research agencies such as the Agency of Assessment and Application of Technology (Indonesian: ''[[:id:Badan Pengkajian dan Penerapan Teknologi|Badan Pengkajian dan Penerapan Teknologi]]'', BPPT), National Nuclear Energy Agency (Indonesian: ''[[:id:Badan Tenaga Nuklir Nasional|Badan Tenaga Nuklir Nasional]]'', BATAN), and Indonesian Institute of Sciences (Indonesian: ''Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia'', LIPI). All of those agencies fused into newly formed [[National Research and Innovation Agency (Indonesia)|National Research and Innovation Agency]] (Indonesian: ''Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional'', BRIN).<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last1=Teresia|first1=Ananda|last2=Saleh|first2=Fahrian|date=2021-05-05|title=Jokowi Teken Perpres 33/2021, Ini Tugas dan Fungsi BRIN|url=https://kumparan.com/kumparannews/jokowi-teken-perpres-33-2021-ini-tugas-dan-fungsi-brin-1vgTEsV9O86|access-date=2021-05-06|website=kumparan|language=id-ID}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-05|title=Jokowi Teken Perpres BRIN, LIPI BPPT Batan Lapan Dilebur|url=https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20210505080955-20-638680/jokowi-teken-perpres-brin-lipi-bppt-batan-lapan-dilebur|access-date=2021-05-06|website=CNN Indonesia|language=id-ID}}</ref> As of September 2021, the disbandment process is still on process and expected to be finished on 1 January 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|last=BRIN|date=2021-05-05|title=Kepala BRIN Sampaikan Tiga Arah dan Tujuh Target Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional|url=https://www.brin.go.id/kepala-brin-sampaikan-tiga-arah-dan-tujuh-target-badan-riset-dan-inovasi-nasional/|access-date=2021-06-13|website=BRIN|language=id}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Arlinta|first1=Deonisia|last2=Ramadhan|first2=Aditya|last3=Rachmawati|first3=Evy|date=2021-05-12|title=Fungsi BRIN Mulai Berjalan Optimal Januari 2022|url=https://www.kompas.id/baca/ilmu-pengetahuan-teknologi/2021/05/12/fungsi-brin-mulai-berjalan-optimal-januari-2022/|access-date=2021-06-13|website=kompas.id}}</ref>

On 1 September 2021, LAPAN was finally dissolved as an independent agency and transformed into the space and aeronautics research organization of BRIN, signaling the beginning of the institutional integration of the former LAPAN into BRIN.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Jemadu|first=Liberty|date=2021-09-02|title=Lapan, Batan, LIPI, dan BPPT Diintegrasikan ke BRIN, Sejumlah Pejabat Dirombak|url=https://www.suara.com/tekno/2021/09/02/171403/lapan-batan-lipi-dan-bppt-diintegrasikan-ke-brin-sejumlah-pejabat-dirombak|access-date=2021-09-02|website=suara.com|language=id}}</ref>

==History==
On 31 May 1962, Indonesia commenced aeronautics exploration when the Aeronautics Committee was established by the Indonesian prime minister, [[Djuanda Kartawidjaja|Djuanda]], who was also the head of Indonesian Aeronautics.  The secretary of Indonesian Aeronautics, [[Jacob Salatun|RJ Salatun]], was also involved in the establishment.{{Citation needed|date=September 2010}}

On 22 September 1962, the Initial Scientific and Military Rocket Project (known in Indonesia as ''Proyek Roket Ilmiah dan Militer Awal'' or ''PRIMA'') was formed by an affiliation of AURI (Indonesian Air Force) with [[Institut Teknologi Bandung|ITB]] (Bandung Institute of Technology). The outcome of the project was the launching of two "[[Kartika I]]" ("star")–series rockets and their telemetric ordnances.

After two informal projects, the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) was established in 1963 by Presidential Decree 236.{{Citation needed|date=September 2010}}

==Programs==
For more than 20 years, LAPAN has done research on rocketry, remote sensing, satellites, and space sciences.

===Satellites===

====Palapa A1 and A2====
The first program was the launching of the Palapa A1 (launched 7 August 1976) and A2 (launched 3 October 1977) satellites. These satellites were almost identical to Canada's [[Anik (satellite)|Anik]] and Western Union's [[Westar]]s. The Indonesian satellites belonged to the government-owned company [[Telkom Indonesia|Perumtel]], but they were made in the United States.{{Citation needed|date=September 2010}}

====LAPAN satellites====
The development of [[Microsatellite (spaceflight)|microsatellites]] has become an opportunity for LAPAN. The development of such satellites requires only a limited budget and facilities, compared to the development of large satellites. Meanwhile, the capability to develop micro-satellite will brings LAPAN to be ready to implement a future space program that will have measurable economic impact, and therefore contribute to the country's sustainable development effort.{{Citation needed|date=February 2016}}

=====LAPAN-A1=====
The LAPAN-A1, or [[Lapan-TUBsat|LAPAN-TUBsat]], is designed to develop knowledge, skill, and experience with micro-satellite technology development, in cooperation with [[Technische Universität Berlin]], Germany, where the satellite was manufactured. The Indonesian spacecraft is based on the German [[DLR-Tubsat]], but includes a new star sensor and features a new 45 × 45 × 27&nbsp;cm structure. The satellite payload is a [[commercial off-the-shelf]] video camera with a 1000&nbsp;mm lens, resulting in a [[nadir]] resolution of 5&nbsp;m and nadir swath of 3.5&nbsp;km from an altitude of 650&nbsp;km. In addition, the satellite carries a video camera with a 50&nbsp;mm lens, resulting in a 200&nbsp;m resolution video image with swath of 80&nbsp;km at the nadir. The uplink and downlink for telemetry, tracking, and command (TTC) is done in the UHF band and downlink for video is done in S-band analog. On 10 January 2007, the satellite was successfully launched from [[Sriharikota]], India, as an auxiliary payload with India's [[Cartosat-2]], in the ISRO's [[List of PSLV launches#PSLV flight C7|Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C7]], to a [[Sun-synchronous orbit]] of 635&nbsp;km, with an inclination of 97.60° and a period of 99.039 minutes. The longitude shift per orbit is about 24.828° with a [[ground track]] velocity of 6.744&nbsp;km/s with an angular velocity of 3.635 deg/s, and a circular velocity of 7.542&nbsp;km/s. LAPAN Tubsat performed technological experiments, earth observation, and attitude control experiments.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/lapan-tubsat.htm|title=LAPAN-Tubsat → LAPAN A1|website=space.skyrocket.de|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref>

=====LAPAN-A2=====
The mission of LAPAN-A2, or LAPAN-ORARI, is Earth observation using an RGB camera, maritime traffic monitoring using an automatic identification system (AIS)—which can know name and flag of the ship registered, ship type, tonnage, current route, departure and arrival ports—and amateur radio communication (text and voice; ORARI is Indonesian Amateur Radio Organization). The satellite will be launched, as a secondary payload of India's [[ASTROSAT]] mission, into a circular orbit of 650&nbsp;km with an inclination of 8 degrees. The purpose of the project is to develop the capability to design, assembly, integrate, and test (AIT) micro-satellites. The satellite was successfully launched on 28 September 2015 using India's [[Indian Space Research Organisation|ISRO]] [[Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle]] (PSLV) and will pass over Indonesia every 97 minutes, or 14 times a day.<ref>{{cite news|title=Countdown begins today|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/countdown-for-astrosat-launch-begins-today/article7690884.ece|work=The Hindu|date=26 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=India Set to Cross Half Century Mark in Launching Foreign Satellites|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/India-Set-to-Cross-Half-Century-Mark-in-Launching-Foreign-Satellites/2015/09/24/article3045412.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926235459/http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/India-Set-to-Cross-Half-Century-Mark-in-Launching-Foreign-Satellites/2015/09/24/article3045412.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 26, 2015|publisher=The New Indian Express|date=24 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mediaindonesia.com/read/2012/02/02/295809/291/7/Lapan-Kembangkan-Satelit-Observasi-Bumi |title=Lapan Kembangkan Satelit Observasi Bumi |date=February 2, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205132206/http://www.mediaindonesia.com/read/2012/02/02/295809/291/7/Lapan-Kembangkan-Satelit-Observasi-Bumi |archive-date=February 5, 2012 }}</ref><ref name=A23>{{cite web|url=http://www.antaranews.com/berita/466534/satelit-lapan-a2-siap-awasi-perairan-indonesia-2015 |title=Satelit LAPAN-A2 siap awasi perairan Indonesia 2015 |author=Ade Marboen |date=November 27, 2014}}</ref>

=====LAPAN-A3=====
LAPAN-A3, or LAPAN-IPB, will perform experimental remote sensing. In addition to that, the satellite will support a global AIS mission and amateur radio communication. The satellite payload is a four-band push broom multi-spectral imaging camera (Landsat band: B, G, R, NIR), which will give a resolution of 18&nbsp;m and coverage of 120&nbsp;km from 650&nbsp;km altitude. The satellite was launched in June 2016.<ref name=LAPAN/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnnindonesia.com/teknologi/20160622143244-199-140109/satelit-lapan-a-3-bisa-tunjukkan-kekayaan-indonesia/ |title=Satelit Lapan A-3 Bisa Tunjukkan Kekayaan Indonesia |author=Aulia Bintang Pratama |date=June 23, 2016}}</ref>

===International cooperation===
In 2008 Indonesia signed an agreement with the [[National Space Agency of Ukraine]] (NSAU) that will allow Indonesia access to rocket and satellite technologies.{{Update inline|date=October 2022}}

===Spaceport development plan===

====Biak Spaceport plan (2006)====
Since 2006, Indonesia and Russia have been discussing the possibility of launching a satellite from Biak island using [[air launch]] technology. LAPAN and the [[Russian Federal Space Agency]] (RKA) have worked on a government-to-government space cooperation agreement in order to enable such activities in Indonesia. The plan is for an [[Antonov An-124]] aircraft to deliver a Polyot space launch vehicle to the new Indonesian [[spaceport]] on [[Biak]] island ([[West Papua (province)|West Papua province]]). This spaceport is well suited to commercial launches, as it sits almost exactly on the [[equator]] (the nearer the [[equator]] the greater the initial velocity imparted to the launched craft, making higher velocity or heavier payloads possible). In the spaceport, the launch vehicle will be fueled, and the satellites will be loaded on it. The Antonov An-124 would then fly to 10&nbsp;km altitude above the ocean east of Biak island to jettison the launch vehicle.<ref>John J. Klein. ''Space warfare: strategy, principles, and policy''. McGraw Hill Professional, 2006. {{ISBN|0-415-77001-7}}.196 pages. PP 85. Google reference: [https://books.google.com/books?id=0Ldsp_dk0DQC&dq]</ref><ref>[http://www.elektroindonesia.com/elektro/assi0201.html Indonesian Space Port], Indonesian Satellite Association (ASSI), Number 9, Volume II, February  2001</ref> In 2012, discussions resumed. The main stumbling block is Russian concerns over compliance with the terms of the [[Missile Technology Control Regime]]; Russia is a co-signatory, Indonesia is not.<ref>{{cite news
 | last = Maulia
 | first = Erwida
 | title = Russia repeats offer to RI to become a 'space nation'
 | newspaper = [[The Jakarta Post]]
 | location = Jakarta, Indonesia
 | date = Feb 15, 2012
 | url =http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2012/02/15/russia-repeats-offer-ri-become-a-space-nation.html
 | access-date = 2012-02-18 }}</ref> In 2019, LAPAN officially confirmed plans for building the Biak spaceport, with first flights expected in 2024.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2019/11/12/indonesia-to-build-the-nations-first-spaceport-in-papua.html| title = Indonesia to build the nation's first spaceport in Papua - National - The Jakarta Post}}</ref>

====Enggano Launchpad plan (2011)====
In 2011, LAPAN planned to build a satellite to be launchpad at [[Enggano Island]], [[Bengkulu]] province, located in the westernmost part of Indonesia, on the [[Indian Ocean]]. There are three possible locations, two in Kioyo Natural Park and one in Gunung Nanua Bird Park. The most strategic site for this launchpad is inside Nanua Bird Park, a place called Tanjung Laboko, which is 20 meters above sea level and far from residential areas.<ref>{{cite news | access-date = 2011-08-14 | url = http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/68432/study-on-environmental-impact-of-lapans-satellite-launching-facility | title = Study on environmental impact of LAPAN's satellite launching facility | publisher = ANTARA News | date = February 24, 2011 }}</ref> The satellite launch pad itself sits on only one hectare of ground, but the safety zone covers 200 hectares. The cost to be disbursed is [[Indonesian rupiah|Rp.]]40 trillion (around $4.5 billion). The location can handle the assembly of the rockets and launch preparations for satellites of up to 3.8 tonnes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://iptek.tvone.co.id/berita/view/48826/2011/02/18/lapan_tetapkan_lokasi_peluncuran_roket_di_enggano/ |title=TvOne: Lapan Tetapkan Lokasi Peluncuran Roket di Enggano - IPTEK |access-date=2011-02-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221172607/http://iptek.tvone.co.id/berita/view/48826/2011/02/18/lapan_tetapkan_lokasi_peluncuran_roket_di_enggano/ |archive-date=2011-02-21 }} - in Indonesian</ref> The Bengkulu Natural Resources Conservation Agency has expressed concerns about the plan, because both parks are habitats for a number of bird species native to Enggano Island. The Bengkulu provincial government refused to consider those concerns.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/02/10/bengkulu-rejects-satellite-launchpad-proposal.html |title=Bengkulu rejects satellite launchpad proposal |access-date=12 June 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717005018/http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/02/10/bengkulu-rejects-satellite-launchpad-proposal.html |archive-date=17 July 2011 }}</ref>

====Morotai Spaceport plan (2012)====
After studying the surrounding environment at three potential spaceport island sites ([[Enggano]]-[[Bengkulu]], [[Morotai]]-[[North Maluku]], and [[Biak]]-[[Papua (province)|Papua]]), LAPAN (21/11) announced Morotai Island as a future spaceport site.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sains.kompas.com/read/2012/11/27/16071667/Bandar.Antariksa.Akan.Dibangun.di.Morotai|title=Bandar Antariksa Akan Dibangun di Morotai|trans-title=Spaceport will be built in Morotai |language=id|date=November 27, 2012}}</ref> Planning started in December 2012. The launch site's completion is expected for 2025. In 2013, LAPAN planned to launch an RX-550 experimental satellite launcher from a location in Morotai to be decided.<ref name="sains.kompas.com">{{cite web |url=http://sains.kompas.com/read/2012/09/17/02362058/Lapan.Siapkan.Peluncuran.Roket.di.Morotai|title=LAPAN prepares rocket launch in Morotai (Indonesian)|date=September 17, 2012}}</ref> This island was selected according to the following criteria:
* Morotai Island's location near the equator, which makes the launch more economical.
* The island's having seven runways, one of them 2,400 meters, easily extended to 3,000 meters.
* The ease of building on Morotai, which is not densely populated, and consequently little potential for social conflict with native inhabitants.
* Morotai Island's east side facing the Pacific Ocean directly, reducing downrange risks to other island populations.

==Field installations==

===Ground stations===

====Remote-sensing satellite ground station====
The ''Stasiun Bumi Satelit Penginderaan Jauh'' (Remote Sensing Satellite Earth Station) is located at [[Parepare]], [[South Sulawesi]]; it has been in operation since 1993. Its main functions include receiving and recording data from [[earth observation satellite]]s such as [[Landsat]], [[SPOT (satellites)|SPOT]], [[ERS-1]], [[JERS-1]],  [[Terra/Aqua MODIS]], and [[Suomi NPP|NPP]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2010}}

====Weather satellite ground stations====
These ground stations are located at [[Pekayon]], [[Jakarta]], and [[Biak]]; since 1982 they have been receiving, recording, and processing data from [[NOAA]], [[MetOp]], and [[Himawari (satellite)|Himawari weather satellites]] 24 times a day.{{Citation needed|date=September 2010}}

=== Rocket launch site ===
LAPAN manages ''[[Stasiun Peluncuran Roket]]'' (Rocket Launching Station) located at [[Pameungpeuk]] Beach in the [[Garut Regency]] on [[West Java]] ({{Coord|7.646643|S|107.689018|E|}}). Starting in 1963, the facility was built through cooperation between Indonesia and Japan, as the station was designed by [[Hideo Itokawa]], with the aim of supporting high atmospheric research using [[Kappa (rocket)|Kappa-8]] rockets. This installation comprises a Motor Assembly building, a Launch Control Center, a Meteorological Sounding System building, a Rocket Motor Storage hangar, and a dormitory.

===Radar===

====Koto Tabang Equator Atmospheric Radar====
The ''Radar Atmosfer Khatulistiwa Koto Tabang'' is a [[radar]] facility located at [[Koto Tabang]], [[West Sumatra]]. It commenced operations in 2001. This facility is used for [[atmospheric]] dynamics research, especially areas concerning global climate change, such as [[El Niño]] and [[La Niña]] climate anomalies.<ref>[http://www.lapan.go.id/page.php?vpage=fasilitas_detail.php&find=8 Kototabang Equator Atmospheric Radar Facility Information Detail] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070621121433/http://www.lapan.go.id/page.php?vpage=fasilitas_detail.php&find=8 |date=2007-06-21 }}</ref>

==Laboratory==

===Remote Sensing Technology and Data Laboratory===
The ''Remote Sensing Technology and Data Laboratory'' is located at [[Pekayon]], in [[Jakarta]]. Its functions include data acquisition systems development, satellite payload imager systems development, satellite ground station system development, preliminary [[satellite imagery]] [[image processing]]—such as making [[Remote sensing#Data processing|geometric, radiometric, and atmospheric corrections]].

===Remote Sensing Applications Laboratory===
The ''Remote Sensing Applications Laboratory'' at [[Pekayon]], [[Jakarta]], works with [[remote sensing satellite data]] [[Application software|applications]] for [[Land Resource]], [[Coastal-Marine Resources]], [[Environment Monitoring]], and [[Disaster Mitigation]].

===Rocket Motor Laboratory===
The ''Laboratorium Motor Roket'' (Rocket Motor Laboratory) is located at [[Tarogong]], [[West Java]]. It designs and produces [[rocket propulsion]] systems.

===Propellant Laboratory===
The ''Laboratorium Bahan Baku Propelan'' (Combustion Propellant Laboratory) researches [[propellant]]s such as [[oxidizer]] [[Ammonium perchlorate]] and [[Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene]].

===Satellite Technology Laboratory===
The Satellite Technology Laboratory is located at [[Bogor]], [[West Java]]. Its functions include research, development, and engineering of the satellite payload, the satellite bus, and facilities of the [[ground segment]].

===Aviation Technology Laboratory===
The Aviation Technology Laboratory is located at [[Rumpin]], [[West Java]]. Its functions include research, development, and engineering of aerodynamics, flight mechanics technology, propulsion technology, avionics technology, and aerostructure.

==Observatories==
In 2020, Indonesia joined other nations in the hunt for habitable-zone exoplanets, after completion of new astronomical observatory center at [[Kupang Regency]] in [[East Nusa Tenggara]] province.

===Equatorial Atmosphere Observatory===
The Equatorial Atmosphere Observatory of LAPAN is located at [[Koto Tabang, West Sumatera]]. It researches:
* High-resolution observations of wind vectors that will make it possible to study the detailed structure of the equatorial atmosphere, which is related to the growth and decay of cumulus convection;
* From long-term continuous observations, relationships between atmospheric waves and global atmospheric circulation;
* By conducting observations from near the surface to the ionosphere, it will be possible to reveal dynamical couplings between the equatorial atmosphere and ionosphere;
* Based on these results, transports of atmospheric constituents such as ozone and greenhouse gases, and the variations of the Earth's atmosphere that lead to climatic change such as El-Nino and La-Nina.

===Solar Radiation Observatory===
The ''Stasiun Pengamat Radiasi Matahari'' (Solar Radiation Observation Station) observes [[ultraviolet]] radiation of the [[sun]]. Operations began in 1992. These facilities were developed by [[Eko Instrument]], of Japan, and are located at [[Bandung]] and [[Pontianak, Indonesia|Pontianak]].

===Aerospace Observatory===

For decades, Indonesian astronomy depended on the [[Bosscha Observatory]] in Lembang, West Java, which was built in 1928 by the Dutch and which, at that time, had one of the largest telescopes in the southern hemisphere.

At present, the aerospace observatories of LAPAN are located at [[Pontianak]]-[[West Kalimantan]], [[Pontianak-North Sulawesi]], [[Kupang]]-[[East Nusa Tenggara]], and [[Watukosek-East Java]], and make observations relevant to climatology, meteorology, the sun, and Earth's magnetic field.

====National Observatory (Obnas)====
The new observatory construction project on [[Mount Timau]] in [[Kupang Regency]], East Nusa Tenggara, which began functioning in 2020, is the biggest observatory in Southeast Asia.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2020/10/28/indonesian-space-agency-to-kick-off-search-for-extraterrestrial-life-next-year.html|title=Indonesian space agency to kick off search for 'extraterrestrial life' next year|newspaper=The Jakarta Post|access-date=29 October 2020}}</ref>{{citation needed|date=March 2023|reason=current reference is apparently prospective and I've presumptively changed to language treating this as accomplished fact}} The observatory is built with the cooperation of the [[Bandung Institute of Technology]] (ITB), [[Nusa Cendana University]] (UNdana). It is designated as the National Observatory (Obnas), and has a {{convert|3.8|m}} telescope.

The area around Obnas is developed as a national park, with the aim of attracting tourists. The aim of the observatory is to: 
* develop Indonesian space science to a high degree 
* economically strengthen the surrounding region, to allow for equitable distribution of inter-regional development, especially in Eastern Indonesia.

Obnas is one of LAPAN's key strategic objectives, along with mastery of rocket technology, building a launch site, growing its National Remote Sensing Data Bank (BDPJN) and National Earth Monitoring System (SPBN), and overall technological development.

==Rockets==
LAPAN rockets are classified "RX" (''[[Roket Eksperimental]]'') followed by the diameter in millimeters. For example, the RX-100 has a diameter of {{convert|100|mm}}.
LAPAN's current workhouse rocket propulsion system consists of four stages, namely the three-stage RX-420 and the RX-320 level. It is planned to use the RX-420 as a rocket booster for the planned ''Roket Pengorbit Satelit'' (RPS) (Orbital Satellite Rocket) to fly in 2014.

In 2008, optimistic hopes were that this rocket, known as the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV), would first be launched in Indonesia to 2012, and if there were extra funds pursuant to the good economic situation of 2007–8, possibly the year 2010. In fact, the LAPAN budget for 2008 and 2007 was Rp 200 billion (approximately US$20 million). Budgetary issues surrounding the international credit crises of 2008–2009 placed many Indonesian technical projects in jeopardy, most especially the complete development of RX-420 and associated micro-satellite program to world-class standards ahead of project finalization schedule and the opportunity to work together with the world institutions. LAPAN hopes to be an educating partner with Indian Aerospace in sciences related to satellite.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

On November 11, 2010, a LAPAN spokesman said that the RX-550 rocket would undergo a static test in December 2010 and a flight test in 2012. The rocket would consist of four stages, and would be part of an RPS-01 rocket to put a satellite in orbit. Previously, the Polar LAPAN-TUBsat (LAPAN-A1) satellite had been successfully placed in orbit and is still functioning well. The aim is to have home-made rockets and satellites.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/1289465061/ |title=Lapan developing rockets to put satellites in orbit - ANTARA News |access-date=2012-03-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301201025/http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/1289465061/ |archive-date=2017-03-01 }}</ref>

Beginning in 2005, LAPAN rejuvenated Indonesian expertise in rocket-based weapons systems, in cooperation with the [[Armed Forces of Indonesia]] (TNI). In April 2008, the TNI began a new missile research program, alongside LAPAN. Prior to this, eight projects were sponsored by the TNI in Malacca monitoring, using LAPAN-TUBsat, the theft of timber and alleged encroachment on [[Indonesia]]n territorial waters in the 2009 escalation over [[Malaysia]]'s claims to the huge gas fields off [[Ambalat]]-island.{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}

===RX-100===
The [[RX (rocket family)|RX-100]] serves to test rocket payload subsystems. It has a diameter of {{convert|110|mm}}, a length of {{convert|1900|mm}}, and a mass of {{convert|30|kg}}. It carries enough solid-composite propellant to last 2.5 seconds, which allows for a flight time of 70 seconds, at a maximum speed of Mach 1, at an altitude of {{convert|7000|m}}, for a range of {{convert|11|km}}. The rocket carries a GPS, altimeter, gyroscope, 3-axis accelerometer, CPU, and battery.

===RX-150 / 120===
The two-stage rocket booster [[RX-150-120]] is supported by the Indonesian Army (TNI-AD) and [[Pindad|PT Pindad]]. With a range of {{convert|24|km}}, it was successfully launched from a moving vehicle (Pindad Panser) on March 31, 2009.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

===R-Han 122===
The [[R-Han 122]] rocket is a [[surface-to-surface missile]] with a range of up to {{convert|15|km}} at Mach 1.8. As of March 28, 2012, fifty R-Han 122s have been successfully launched.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://koran-jakarta.com/index.php/detail/view01/87190 |title=Roket Produksi Indonesia Berhasil Diuji Coba |date=March 29, 2012}}</ref> The rockets are the result of six years work by LAPAN. By 2014, at least 500 R-Han 122 rockets will be part of the army arsenal.<ref>http://www.defenseworld.net/go/defensenews.jsp?n=Indonesia {{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} to have 500 rockets in the next four years: Defense Minister&id=5213 {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

===RX-250===
Between 1987 and 2005, LAPAN [[RX-250]] rockets have been regularly launched.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

===RX-320===
LAPAN successfully launched two {{convert|320|mm|adj=on}}-diameter [[RX-320]] rockets on 30 May and 2 July 2008 at Pameungpeuk, West Java.

==Space launchers==

===[[RPS-420|RPS-420 (Pengorbitan-1)]]===
The RPS-420 (Pengorbitan-1) is a micro-satellite orbital launch vehicle, similar to [[Lambda (rocket family)|Lambda]] from Japan, but with lighter, modern materials and modern avionics. It is launched unguided at a 70-degree angle of inclination with a four-stage solid rocket motor launcher.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://psas.pdx.edu/orbital_vehicle_comparison/ |title=Orbital vehicle comparison |access-date=October 16, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016221033/http://psas.pdx.edu/orbital_vehicle_comparison/ |archive-date=October 16, 2015 }} Retrieved at March 29, 2011</ref>

It has a diameter of {{convert|420|mm}}, a length of {{convert|6200|mm}}, a lift-off mass of {{convert|1000|kg}}.
It uses solid composite propellant, for a firing time of 13 seconds, yielding a thrust of 9.6 tons, for a flight duration of 205 seconds at a
maximum velocity of Mach 4.5. Its range is {{convert|101|km}} at an altitude of {{convert|53000|m}}. Its payload consists of diagnostics, GPS, altimeter, gyro, 3-axis accelerometer, CPU, and battery. The [[RX-420]] was entirely built using local materials.{{citation needed|date=November 2011}}

LAPAN carried out a stationary test on the RX-420 on 23 December 2008 in Tarogong, West Java. The RX-420 had its first test flight at the launching station Cilauteureun, Pameungpeuk District, Garut regency, West Java. The LAPAN RX-420 is the test bed for an entirely indigenously developed satellite launch vehicle. The RX-420 is suitable for launching micro-satellites of {{convert|50|kg}} or less and nano-satellites of {{convert|5|kg}} or less in co-development with [[Technische Universität Berlin]].

The rocket launching plan was extended in 2010 by launching combined RX-420-420s, and in 2011 for combined RX-420-420 – 320, and SOB 420.

===[[RPS-420#Pengorbitan-2|RPS-420/520 (Pengorbitan-2)]]===
In the planning stage are the RX-420 with multiple customizable configuration boosters and the planned {{convert|520|mm}} RX-520, which is predicted to be able to launch a greater than {{convert|100|kg}} payload into orbit. This large rocket is intended to be fueled by high-pressure liquid hydrogen peroxide, and various hydrocarbons are under evaluation. The addition of RX-420 boosters to the RX-520 should increase lifting capacity to over {{convert|500|kg}}, although if too expensive, the proven Russian [[Soyuz (rocket)|Soyuz]] and [[Energia (rocket)|Energiya]] rockets will likely be employed.

The [[RX-520]] consists of one RX-420 and two RX-420 as a stage-1 booster, one RX-420 as stage 2, one RX-420 as stage 3, and as a payload launcher, one RX-320 as stage 4.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/world/indonesia/rps.htm|title=Roket Pengorbit Satelit (RPS) Satellite Orbiting Rocket / Satellite Launch Vehicle SLV|author=John Pike|access-date=12 June 2015}}</ref>

===RX-550===
In 2013, LAPAN launched an RX-550 experimental satellite launcher from a point in Morotai.<ref name="sains.kompas.com"/>

==LAPAN Library==
In June 2009, LAPAN put online its extensive library of over 8000 titles on aeronautics and astronautics. This is the largest dedicated aerospace library in [[ASEAN]] and it was hoped it would bring Indonesian and ASEAN talent into the LAPAN program, especially those disadvantaged by location. It was unclear how much content would be available freely to the public.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ip-pbx.tmcnet.com/news/2009/07/30/4299017.htm|title=LAPAN LAUNCHES ONLINE LIBRARY, SPACE COMMUNITY|access-date=12 June 2015}}</ref>

==Komurindo==
''Komurindo'' or ''Kompetisi Muatan Roket Indonesia'' is the Indonesia Payload Rocket Competition. The competition was established by LAPAN, the education ministry, and some universities, to enhance rocket research by the universities. The third competition was held in late June 2011 in Pandansimo Beach of Bantul, [[Yogyakarta]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pikiran-rakyat.com/node/149725|title=Kompetisi Muatan Roket Diikuti 40 Tim|work=Pikiran Rakyat Online|access-date=12 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615031849/http://www.pikiran-rakyat.com/node/149725|archive-date=15 June 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Aircraft==
* [[LAPAN XT-400]]
* [[LSU-02]]
* [[LAPAN LSU-03|LSU-03]]
* [[LAPAN Fighter Experiment (LFX)]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Liputan6.com |date=2014-04-22 |title=LFX, Pengembangan Pesawat Tempur Indonesia yang Tertunda |url=https://www.liputan6.com/news/read/2040091/lfx-pengembangan-pesawat-tempur-indonesia-yang-tertunda |access-date=2022-05-23 |website=liputan6.com |language=id}}</ref>

== Logo ==
<gallery>
Lapan logo.svg|LAPAN logo used from 2006 to 2015
LAPAN logo 2015.svg|LAPAN logo used since 2015<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lapan.go.id/index.php/subblog/pages/2015/97/LOGO|title=Logo LAPAN|publisher=Indonesian National Institute of Aeronautics and Space|access-date=8 October 2015}}</ref>
</gallery>

== End of LAPAN ==
On 1 September 2021, LAPAN became the Space and Aeronautics Research Organization of the [[National Research and Innovation Agency]] (BRIN), signaling the beginning of the institutional integration of the former LAPAN into BRIN.<ref name=":0" />

==See also==
* [[List of government space agencies]]
* [[List of rocket launch sites]]
* [[Pratiwi Sudarmono]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.lapan.go.id}}


{{Government of Indonesia}}
{{Indonesian Space Program|state=open}}
{{Public sector space agencies}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:National Institute Of Aeronautics And Space}}
[[Category:Government agencies of Indonesia]]
[[Category:Space agencies]]
[[Category:Science and technology in Indonesia]]
[[Category:Space program of Indonesia]]
[[Category:Aerospace]]
[[Category:Defense companies of Indonesia]]
[[Category:1963 establishments in Indonesia]]
[[Category:2021 disestablishments in Indonesia]]