- Space plays a role in Oman’s Vision 2040
- Oman aims to build space knowledge base
- Country is also building its first spaceport
Oman is in the process of acquiring its first national satellite, the head of the country’s space programme has revealed.
As part of the sultanate’s national development plan, Vision 2040, it aims to have the information and communication technology sector, which includes space technology, contribute 10 percent to the overall GDP by 2040.
“Oman is currently in the process of acquiring a telecommunications satellite. This satellite isn’t just about fulfilling national security needs; it’s also a major step toward building our own capabilities,” Dr Saoud Al Shoaili, head of Oman’s National Space Programme, told Middle East Space Monitor.
Al Shoaili did not provide further details on where, or from whom, it will acquire the satellite.
The priority for the fledgling programme is knowledge exchange.
“We’re not interested in a company that will sell us the satellite, launch it, and operate it without our involvement. We want to develop our own expertise throughout the entire process,” Al Shoaili said. “Our goal is to build long-term relationships that focus on capability development.”
Omani companies have partnered with companies in the UK and elsewhere in the past to launch satellites.
In early 2023, as part of Omani tech company Etco Space’s Aman programme, an attempted launch of a satellite from the UK failed because of an “anomaly” and the satellite failed to reach orbit. The mission succeeded in November 2023, when Aman-1 was launched in California by SpaceX.
Oman’s first spaceport, Etlaq, is also under construction by the National Aerospace Services Company. The government is supporting its development by signing deals that allow for the transfer of high-end space-related technologies key to make the port a success.
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“Given that Etlaq will partner with international expertise — whether from European, American, or Asian companies — having government backing is crucial for facilitating those partnerships,” Al Shoaili said.
Oman’s location near the equator gives it a distinct advantage in rocket launches because it means satellites and other vessels can reach orbit more quickly and use less fuel, ultimately cutting launch costs.
“While Etlaq is currently focused on launching small sound rockets, we see this as just the beginning. Over time, this project has the potential to grow into a full-fledged spaceport,” said Al Shoaili.
The sultanate believes that within the next decade it will emerge as a major player in the global satellite sector.