Latest news with #Duqm-1
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Is Oman's proximity to equator the secret to its growing space launch potential?
Oman's Etlaq spaceport is shaping the Sultanate's rise as a regional space launch hub, backed by its equatorial location and expanding infrastructure/Representative Image With its strategic location near the equator and open coastal geography, Oman is emerging as a prime platform for space vehicle launches. The Sultanate's expanding infrastructure and favourable geographical conditions have attracted interest from international aerospace companies and are now paving the way for Oman to position itself as a regional and global space launch hub. Equatorial Advantage and Coastal Launch Sites Oman's proximity to the equator offers a significant scientific and economic edge rockets launched closer to the equator require less fuel due to the Earth's rotation aiding velocity. In addition, Oman's coastal access to the Indian Ocean and low population density near potential launch sites enhance safety and logistical feasibility. 'Oman's unique position makes it ideal for multi-orbit launches, including equatorial, sun-synchronous, polar, medium Earth, and geostationary orbits,' said HH Sayyid Azzan Qais Al Said, Founder and CEO of the National Aerospace Services Company (NASCOM) and Etlaq Spaceport in a public statement. Etlaq Spaceport and Duqm-1: Laying the Groundwork The Etlaq Spaceport marked Oman's formal entry into the regional space race with its first space launch 'Duqm-1', the first of its kind in the Middle East. Located at 18 degrees latitude, the site enables diverse orbital access and will play a key role in future missions. Etlaq's vision includes: A second launch pad for experimental missions A spacecraft assembly facility An Omani Formation Program that supports experimental launches within 14 weeks of planning A long-term plan to be fully operational by 2027 The program also emphasises local talent development in space sciences and advanced engineering fields. Government Backing and Vision 2040 Alignment Dr. Saud Hamid Al Shukaili, Director General of Policies & Governance and Head of the National Space Program at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, affirmed the government's commitment to making Oman a competitive destination for global space investments. 'The space launch project supports Oman Vision 2040 by attracting international space companies and strengthening national capabilities in spacecraft design, launch operations, and aerospace technology.'
Muscat Daily
02-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Etlaq Spaceport in Duqm to start operating by 2027
Muscat – Oman's first spaceport Etlaq is expected to be operational by 2027, according to H H Sayyid Azzan bin Qais al Said, Founder and CEO of National Aerospace Services Company (NASCOM). The announcement comes as Oman consolidates its position in the regional space sector following the successful launch of Duqm-1, the first spacecraft developed under a Middle East-led initiative. The milestone marked a significant step forward in the sultanate's ambitions to establish a national space infrastructure for commercial and scientific purposes. Etlaq Spaceport, being developed in Duqm, is designed to offer end-to-end logistical and technical services for satellite and sub-orbital vehicle launches. Oman's strategic location has been highlighted as a key advantage for attracting global operators. 'The facility will eventually include four launch pads and support a range of missions, from micro to heavy payloads, including reusable systems,' informed H H Sayyid Azzan. 'NASCOM is also developing local human capital through dedicated training programmes, aligned with the company's goal of generating in-country value and fostering national capabilities in space technologies.' Under a programme named Al Takween (Genesis) launched in 2024, the company supports short-turnaround launch operations, enabling testing and qualification of spacecraft within 14 weeks. Recent developments include a second launch pad for experimental flights and a new assembly facility. NASCOM's next mission – Duqm-2 – is being conducted in partnership with New Zealand-based Stellar Kinetics. The mission's sub-orbital KEA-1 vehicle, measuring 12m, will be used to test stage separation and guidance systems. It will carry two international scientific payloads and explore microgravity conditions, contributing to research and technology development. Dr Saud bin Humaid al Shuaili, Director General of Policies and Governance and Head of National Space Programme at Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said the spaceport project supports Oman's strategy for space exploration.
Observer
02-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman: an ideal platform for space launches
Muscat: 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, and geostationary orbits. HH Sayyid Azzan revealed that Etlaq's master plan will be operational by 2027, with its Formation Program enabling experimental launches within 14 weeks of planning since 2024. The program focuses on Omani workforce development in advanced space specialties, with current expansion including a second launch pad for experimental missions and a spacecraft assembly facility. Dr Saud Hamid al Shukaili, 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. 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 mission also aims to achieve microgravity conditions to support university-led research via two onboard scientific payloads developed by international partners.
Broadcast Pro
21-02-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Omani Etlaq Spaceport announces five test launches for 2025
Oman plans to launch five rockets from its emerging spaceport this year, beginning in April, with a dedicated fan zone set to open soon. Photo credit: Etlaq Spaceport Etlaq Spaceport, the first commercial spaceport in the Middle East and North Africa, has revealed plans for five test launches in 2025 during the Etlaq Launch Conference. These missions will focus on critical technology demonstrations, including controlled ascent and descent, landing systems, stage separation and fuel efficiency. Collaborating with international partners from Kuwait, the United Kingdom and New Zealand, Etlaq aims to position Oman as a key player in the global space industry while fostering international cooperation in space exploration. At the core of this initiative is the Genesis Programme, launched in 2024 to establish Omans national space launch heritage. Initially developed for the National Space Services Company's (NASCOM) experimental Duqm-1 mission, the programme will facilitate suborbital and experimental launches from 2025 to 2027, laying the foundation for future orbital operations. Etlaq reaffirmed its commitment to safety and sustainability, with the spaceports location in Wilayat Al Duqm providing a secure exclusion zone to ensure risk-free launches. Safety is our top priority. Every mission will undergo rigorous risk assessments to maintain operational integrity, an Etlaq spokesperson said. As part of broader efforts to advance Omans space sector, the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NASCOM, granting the company 'Qualified Entity' status for spaceport development and operations. This agreement supports Omans vision to become a regional space hub, fostering private sector growth, foreign investment, and technology localization. In a major collaboration, Etlaq signed an agreement with Spanish launch service provider PLD Space to facilitate the launch of MIURA 5 from Oman. Additionally, an MoU with SatMENA will enable cooperation on ground station services and operational support for upcoming launches. Reflecting its growing global aspirations, Etlaq unveiled a refreshed brand identity, alongside a rebranding of the Oman Society for Astronomy and Space, signalling a new era for the nations space industry.
Zawya
21-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Etlaq Spaceport announces plans for five test launches in 2025 at Etlaq Launch Conference
Muscat, Oman: Etlaq Spaceport, the first commercial spaceport in the Middle East and North Africa, has announced plans for five test launches in 2025 during the highly anticipated Etlaq Launch Conference 2025. These missions will serve as critical technology demonstrations, focusing on controlled ascent and descent, landing systems, stage separation, and fuel efficiency. As a globally accessible launch facility, Etlaq is collaborating with international launch partners from Kuwait, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand to execute these missions. This marks a major milestone in positioning Oman as a key player in the global space industry and reinforces Etlaq's commitment to fostering international cooperation in space exploration. The Genesis Program: Building Oman's Spacefaring Future At the heart of Etlaq's mission is the Genesis Program, a pioneering initiative launched in 2024 to establish Oman's national space launch heritage. Inspired by Oman's history of seafaring excellence, the Genesis Program is the natural next step in transitioning the nation into a spacefaring future. Initially conceptualized as a proof of concept for the National Space Services Company's (NASCOM) experimental Duqm-1 mission, the Genesis Program aims to host as many launches as safely feasible from 2025 to 2027. By working with multiple companies operating suborbital and experimental launch vehicles, Etlaq is laying the groundwork for full-scale orbital launch operations. The program is structured to be rapidly deployable, ensuring flexibility in launch scheduling while maintaining the highest safety and sustainability standards. A Commitment to Safety and Sustainable Space Access Etlaq reinforced that it remains steadfast in its commitment to safety, ensuring that all five planned launches will be conducted under strict safety protocols and environmental considerations. The spaceport's location in Wilayat Al Duqm provides a secure controlled exclusion zone, minimizing risks and optimizing launch efficiency. 'Safety is our top priority. Every mission will be conducted with rigorous risk assessments to ensure operational integrity without compromising mission success,' said an Etlaq spokesperson at the conference. Strategic Agreements and Industry Partnerships Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Transport,Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) and National Aerospace Services Company (NASCOM): As part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to achieve the vision of the National Space Sector Policy and its Executive Program 2023-2033, to establish the Sultanate as the regional gateway for space services and applications, the ministry signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Aerospace Services Company (NASCOM) to grant the company the status of a 'Qualified Entity' for building and operating spaceports, reinforcing the Sultanate's ambitions to become a leading space hub. This agreement aims to develop the capabilities of the Omani private sector, enabling partnerships in the implementation of strategic projects, attracting foreign investments, and facilitating the transfer and localization of advanced technologies. The agreement was signed on behalf of the ministry by His Excellency Dr. Ali Al Shidhani and on behalf of the company by His Highness Sayyid Azzan Al Said. Etlaq's Strategic Agreement with PLD Space - In a groundbreaking partnership, Etlaq has signed a strategic agreement with Spanish launch service provider PLD Space to facilitate the launch of MIURA 5 from Oman, marking a significant step in European collaboration with Oman. • MoU with SatMENA for Ground Station Services - Etlaq also signed an MoU with SatMENA, a leading satellite communication service provider, to collaborate on ground station services and operational support for upcoming launches. New Brand Identities for Etlaq and the Oman Society for Astronomy and Space - To reflect its growing ambitions and global vision, Etlaq unveiled a refreshed brand identity, signaling a new era for Oman's space industry. Additionally, the Oman Society for Astronomy and Space also introduced its new brand identity, aligning with the nation's expanding space endeavors. About Etlaq Etlaq Spaceport is the first commercial spaceport in the Middle East and North Africa. Strategically located in Wilayat Al Duqm, the spaceport benefits from its proximity to the equator, offering enhanced launch efficiency and access to a wide range of orbital inclinations. Etlaq provides dedicated infrastructure for suborbital and orbital launches, with multiple launch complexes, mission control facilities, and integration capabilities designed to support commercial satellite deployment, research missions, and emerging space technologies. As Oman's gateway to space, Etlaq is committed to fostering international collaborations, advancing regional space capabilities, and supporting the global launch industry.
