Indonesia launched its first, experimental rocket last Monday from a location in West Java, the space centre presumably hidden from prying eyes with a sliding lake on an extinct volcano in James Bond’s “You Only Live Twice”
Needless to say, the worlds first questions were “WTF” They feared that an Intercontinental Sambal delivery system had been tested and the fear was tangible. However, within a few days it was assessed that Indonesia's recent rocket launch presented no security threat and did not mean Jakarta would use the technology for weapons..
Apparently Indonesians are serious about developing a world class space programme, like other Asian countries. The ability to launch their own satellites to allow unlimited Sinetron to the masses is essential to the countries development.
While Koreans have just launched their first astronaut (albeit with a little Russian assistance) other countries are in for a bit of the action as well. The Indians are getting ready to build their own crew capsule for putting astronauts in space. Currently Indonesia buys its rockets from India, although recent photographs of Mumbai’s Mission Control show there is much yet to be done.
The head of Indonesia’s National Aeronautics and Outer Space Institute's Cooperation Division, said that the launch was successful.
“We launched in early morning there was no wind, no rain, it was very good conditions” He continued “ Pak Hamid, the Sate Man did a roaring trade around the launch pad and the rocket has been loaded with all the unsold copies off the Presidents last CD in case there is unintelligent life en-route” .
Apparently the launch was the first stage of a five-year programme to enable Indonesia to launch its own satellites into space.
Now, correct me if I am wrong, there are people to feed, children to educate, diseases to be cured, roads to be repaired, corruption to be eradicated, canals to be built, dams to be strengthened, pollution to be conquered, logging to be stopped, and err, emm many others I suppose. These listed above are “need to’s”
Given the current financial situation and social problems the country has, I thought it may have been better to leave rocket science to others…….
Hello:
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading your blog. I spent yesterday and today (holiday) reading about 50 posts. I am interested in finding out how I can get a GOOD job travelling E. Asia/ Asia. Take care from Indianapolis, Indiana USA (Yesterday a New Zealander won the Indy 500, it was a great race).
Eric