REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Indonesia is ready to launch three-digit rocket with a range of 100-900 km in 2013. The rocket is aimed to strengthen artillery system. 

"Next year, we will conduct static and dynamic test on a three digit rocket," Assistant for Deputy Minister of Research and Technology - Strategic, Scientific and Technological Research Productivity, Goenawan Wybiesana, said on Thursday.

For the initial stage, the focus will be on the development of 10-20 units of 350mm-caliber ballistic rocket with a range of 100 km. Then followed by the development of bigger caliber rocket and guided rocket. The Ministry of Research and Technology, which is a part of a rocket consortium, will fund the project in the amount of 10 billion to 15 billion IDR in 2013. 

"Rocket technology depends on material technology, control-system technology, explosives and propulsion technology, and mechanical electronic technology," Wybiesana said.

The program of national rocket has been started since 2005, involving various institutions. The National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (Lapan) had mastered rocket technology for the purpose of launching satellites before the ministry launch the rocket program for defense purpose.

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