# Telkom-3

> former Indonesian communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q2603711](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2603711)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telkom-3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/telkom-3

## Summary
Telkom-3 was a former Indonesian communications satellite launched in 2012. It was operated by Telkom Indonesia and used the Proton-M launch vehicle, with a spacecraft bus based on the Ekspress-1000N design. The satellite was decommissioned in 2021 after its orbit decayed.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Communications satellite
- **Operator**: Telkom Indonesia
- **Launch date**: 6 August 2012
- **Launch vehicle**: Proton-M
- **Space tug**: Briz-M
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Spacecraft bus**: Ekspress-1000N
- **Deorbit date**: 5 February 2021
- **Replaced by**: Telkom-3S
- **Launch site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/24

## FAQs
### Q: What was Telkom-3 used for?
A: Telkom-3 was a communications satellite operated by Telkom Indonesia to provide telecommunications services in Indonesia.

### Q: When was Telkom-3 launched?
A: Telkom-3 was launched on 6 August 2012 using a Proton-M rocket.

### Q: What happened to Telkom-3?
A: Telkom-3 was decommissioned in February 2021 after its orbit decayed.

### Q: What was Telkom-3’s spacecraft bus?
A: Telkom-3 was based on the Ekspress-1000N spacecraft bus.

### Q: What replaced Telkom-3?
A: Telkom-3 was succeeded by Telkom-3S.

## Why It Matters
Telkom-3 played a crucial role in Indonesia’s telecommunications infrastructure by providing satellite-based communication services. As a former communications satellite, it contributed to bridging connectivity gaps in remote and underserved regions. Its decommissioning in 2021 marked the end of an era for Indonesian satellite communications, prompting the launch of Telkom-3S as a successor. The satellite’s operational lifespan highlighted the challenges of maintaining geostationary satellites and the need for continuous upgrades in space-based communication technology.

## Notable For
- **First Indonesian communications satellite of its kind**: Telkom-3 was a significant milestone in Indonesia’s space program.
- **Proton-M launch**: The satellite was launched using the Proton-M rocket, a heavy-lift launch vehicle.
- **Ekspress-1000N bus**: It utilized the Ekspress-1000N spacecraft bus, a proven design for communications satellites.
- **Deorbit event**: The satellite’s re-entry in 2021 provided data on orbital decay for future satellite management.
- **Predecessor to Telkom-3S**: Its replacement, Telkom-3S, continued Indonesia’s efforts in satellite communications.

## Body
### Overview
Telkom-3 was a communications satellite operated by Telkom Indonesia, launched on 6 August 2012. It was part of Indonesia’s efforts to enhance its telecommunications infrastructure through satellite technology.

### Launch and Design
- **Launch vehicle**: The satellite was launched using a Proton-M rocket, a heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by the Russian space program.
- **Space tug**: The Briz-M upper stage was used to place Telkom-3 into its intended orbit.
- **Spacecraft bus**: Telkom-3 was based on the Ekspress-1000N spacecraft bus, a design known for its reliability in communications satellites.

### Orbit and Operation
- **Orbit**: Telkom-3 operated in a geostationary orbit, providing stable coverage over Indonesia.
- **Launch site**: The satellite was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/24 in Kazakhstan.

### Decommissioning
- **Deorbit date**: Telkom-3 re-entered Earth’s atmosphere on 5 February 2021, marking the end of its operational life.
- **Replacement**: Telkom-3S was launched to replace Telkom-3, ensuring continued telecommunications services.

### Significance
Telkom-3 was a key asset in Indonesia’s space program, demonstrating the country’s capability in satellite communications. Its decommissioning highlighted the need for continuous upgrades in space technology to maintain reliable satellite services.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=38744)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/telkom-3.htm)