LAPAN has so far mastered technological knowledge about propellant while DAHANA will prepare its mass industry.
In order to increase collaboration of domestic institutions in the field of Space Sciences, the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) is holding a Flight and Space Cooperation Exposure. The event for Signing Ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding was held at the Grand Mercure Hotel Kemayoran, Jakarta, Friday, 27 September 2019.
According to the Head of LAPAN, Thomas Djamaluddin, this event was very important in the efforts to realize the vision of LAPAN to become a Center for Excellence in Space Science, Atmospheric Science and Technology Center, a leading center of science and technology in aviation, and a center of excellence in satellite technology in order to bring Indonesia forward and gain more independence in the field of space.
“We want to move further, with stronger basic values such as innovation and collaboration. We hope this event will become a gathering place for mutual use of resources in each institution for an independent and developed Indonesia,” said Thomas.
PT DAHANA (Persero) has been collaborating with LAPAN in making rockets under the National Defense Rocket consortium with the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Research and Technology, PT Dirgantara Indonesia and PT Pindad. Some of collaboration products include Rocket Rhan 122 B and Rocket 450. In addition to rockets, DAHANA and LAPAN have also collaborated in research and technology.
“DAHANA and LAPAN have been collaborating since 2012. DAHANA once sent its Human Resources to study on rockets at LAPAN. But there is a unique story there, our employees stayed at the hotel instead of LAPAN housing facility as they thought there were space creatures staying at the housing facility,” said Wildan Widarman, Director of Technology & Development of PT DAHANA (Persero) jokingly when asked for testimony by LAPAN.
According to Wildan, DAHANA and LAPAN were born from the same womb, namely Indonesian Airforce. Therefore, a warm collaboration between DAHANA and LAPAN is needed, especially in term of propellant manufactur. LAPAN has so far mastered technological knowledge about propellant and DAHANA will prepare its mass industry.
“Under this good cooperation, hopefully we can realize the ideals of our predecessors, namely Indonesia that is self-sufficient in rocket, a strong and independent country,” Wildan Widarman hopes.
PT DAHANA (Persero) with the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (LAPAN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Research, Development, Engineering and Utilization of Rocket Technology. After that, Thomas and Wildan exchanged souvenirs, DAHANA gave a miniature of DAHANA Mobile Manufacturing Truck (MMT) to LAPAN.
