When Indonesia’s $220 million Nusantara-2 satellite perished aboard a Chinese rocket in 2020, the nation was left questioning its space program reliance on China. Now rival Elon Musk’s SpaceX is ascending – capitalizing on that pivotal mishap.
For years China courted Indonesia with enticing space perks – cut-rate deals, launch priorities, backing for Jakarta’s ambitions. But the high-profile failure exposed vulnerabilities. Meanwhile SpaceX showcased launch reliability using cost-effective reusable rockets.
Soon President Joko Widodo was personally engaging visionary CEO Musk during his electric vehicle push into Indonesia’s nickel sector. SpaceX gained swift regulatory approval for its Starlink satellite service locally.
The deepening ties paid dividends. Since the probe loss, SpaceX has successfully lifted two Indonesian satellites with a third pending – while China handled none. It’s a rare case of a Western space firm disrupting Chinese dominance in Indonesia’s strategic telecom industry.
“SpaceX’s reusable rockets were a game-changer for us,” explained the head of Indonesia’s space agency. “They offer lower costs and better availability.”
The shifting dynamics come as the U.S. frets over China’s space power plays, including alleged spying and military expansion. Though partners for years, a wary Washington now regards Beijing as an extraterrestrial threat.
Concerns also followed SpaceX’s direct Indonesia dealings, sidestepping traditional State Department coordination. But Elon Musk rarely hews to convention in business or rocketry. His boldness reshaped the landscape.
Meanwhile China dismisses accusations, alleging U.S. space force builds only to justify its own cosmic influence creep. Yet actions speak louder than words. With 67 rocket launches in 2022, Beijing’s space program eclipses all but tech upstart SpaceX.
