The National Institute of Aeronautics and Space of Indonesia (LAPAN) has selected Dawn Aerospace‘s green propulsion for a new satellite constellation used for the early detection of Tsunamis.
Indonesia, located along the Pacific Ocean’s Circum-Pacific belt, or “Ring of Fire,” is geographically prone to tsunamis; several tectonic plates meet and frequently cause volcanic and seismic activity. As a result, around 90 percent of the world’s earthquakes occur in the area.
With Indonesia’s history of earthquakes and tsunamis, a new Tsunami Warning System (TWS) is expected to save countless lives and result in economic benefits for the nation.
A TWS uses buoys and satellites to measure wave heights after an earthquake. It can provide warnings of up to several hours, depending on the quake’s location.
After receiving a signal of unusual activity from sea bed sensors, the buoys then transmit data to satellites, sending warnings to ground stations and tsunami warning centers. The public is then informed to evacuate via sirens or text messages. The planned constellation is for nine satellites in an equatorial orbit, providing constant coverage for the nation.
“Our industry often talks about going to space to improve life on Earth,” said Jeroen Wink, Dawn Co-founder. “We are incredibly proud to be part of a project designed to save lives.”
Dawn has recently announced contracts with customers ALE Co., Ltd. Japan and UARX Space. The companies will use Dawn’s new, smallsat propulsion architecture.