SSL

Satellite manufacturer Space Systems Loral (SSL) has delivered the BRIsat satellite to its launch site at the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

Built for Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), the satellite is to be launched aboard an Ariane 5 rocket by Arianespace. BRIsat will provide both C-band and Ku-band coverage to Indonesia and South East Asia.

Claimed to be the world’s first communications satellite dedicated to a financial institution, BRIsat is manufactured on the SSL 1300 platform, which has the ability to support a wide range of applications and technology advances.

The satellite is designed to provide services for 15 years or more.

Once launched, BRIsat will be positioned at 150.5° East longitude and enable BRI to provide improved secure banking communications for more than 10,600 operational branches, 236,939 electronic channel outlets, and around 53 million customers across the Indonesian archipelago.

"The satellite was delivered on schedule in just 24 months and when launched, it will help us better serve the people of Indonesia."

The Indonesian Government owns a 56.75% share in BRI, which was established in 1895 and specialises in small-scale and microfinance operations.

BRI CEO Asmawi Syam Syamsuddin said: "SSL has been a professional and reliable partner in the design and manufacturing of our satellite.

"The satellite was delivered on schedule in just 24 months and when launched, it will help us better serve the people of Indonesia."

SSL is also supplying a complete ground system solution, including two satellite control facilities, as well as training and launch support services to BRI.

Image: BRIsat satellite is designed to provide service for 15 years or more. Photo: courtesy of SSL.