Oman: An Ideal Platform for Space Launches
Muscat, 2 Jul (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman boasts an ideal location for space vehicle launches, with its proximity to the equator reducing fuel consumption for spacecraft as they launch in alignment with Earth's rotation. Oman's coastal launch sites overlooking the Indian Ocean and distance from populated areas have attracted international space companies seeking optimal launch locations.
HH Sayyid Azzan Qais Al Said, Founder and CEO of the National Aerospace Services Company "NASCOM" and "Etlaq" Spaceport, stated that "Etlaq" pioneered the first Middle Eastern space launch with "Duqm-1," marking Oman's inaugural step toward becoming a global space access hub. The 18-degree latitude spaceport enables multi-orbit launches, including equatorial, sun-synchronous, polar, medium Earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary orbit (GEO).
HH Sayyid Azzan revealed that while Etlaq's master plan is set to be operational by 2027, the Genesis Program, launched in 2024, currently enables experimental launches within 14 weeks of planning.
The program has expanded within the past year to include a second launch pad for experimental missions and a Launch Vehicle Integration Hangar. HH Sayyid Azzan added that Etlaq Spaceport provides not only the physical launch infrastructure and ground facilities required by launch service providers, but also integrated logistical support and a strategically advantageous location. These elements make the spaceport a compelling destination for global aerospace companies.
In parallel, Etlaq is deeply invested in developing local talent and building national capabilities in the space industry; strengthening in-country value and establishing an expert Omani workforce to power the future of space in the region.
Discussing upcoming launches, HH Sayyid Azzan Al Said shared that the team is preparing for the second mission in the "Duqm" mission series, “Duqm-2”. The mission will be conducted using a launch vehicle designed by Stellar Kinetics, an international entity with offices in New Zealand, Oman, and Portugal, and will be carried out using the guided, two-stage experimental suborbital vehicle, Kea-1.
International coordination is essential, particularly for orbital launches, to ensure compliance with space guidelines and global notification systems. Prior to launch, a notice is issued to personnel concerned with flight operations to inform them of upcoming space launch activities and manage airspace traffic. A maritime notice is also issued to establish an exclusion zone on nearby waters for navigational safety. Public notifications are conducted as part of our standard safety procedures and a safety radius is established for all personnel at the launch site.
Each mission is assigned a specific launch window to account for variability in launch conditions, such as mission readiness and weather conditions, and it is typically up to a two-week period in Etlaq’s Genesis Program. Given the number of variables and safety measures involved, delays are not uncommon in the space industry. Whether due to weather, technical adjustments, or regulatory clearance, such delays are a normal and expected part of ensuring mission success and safety.
Dr. Saud Humaid Al Shuaili, Director General of Policies & Governance and Head of the National Space Program at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology emphasized that Oman's space launch project aims to attract global space investments while building national capabilities in spacecraft engineering, supporting Oman Vision 2040.
Dr. Saud also mentioned that the Ministry is working with local partners to develop the national launch ecosystem as part of its vision to establish Oman as a regional hub for space applications. On a strategic level, the ministry aims to localize space science and technology by linking local institutions with leading global space providers, thereby strengthening Oman’s position in space and advanced technology sectors, and enabling the transfer and localization of cutting-edge technology.
Furthermore, a representative at Stellar Kinetics stated that the upcoming mission will be the inaugural launch of the Kea-1 vehicle, offering a unique opportunity to test orbital class systems such as stage separation mechanisms and active guidance under unprecedented timelines. The mission also aims to achieve microgravity conditions to support university-led research via two onboard scientific payloads developed by international partners. The Kea-1 vehicle stands at approximately 12 meters tall and is targeted to reach an apogee of 500 kilometers above Earth's surface. This mission aligns with Etlaq’s vision to strengthen international partnerships and broaden the horizons of research collaboration in the space sector.
---Ends/AG
