Latest news with #HHSayyidAzzan
Zawya
5 days ago
- Science
- Zawya
Oman: Duqm-2 launch aborted due to technical glitch
DUQM: Etlaq Spaceport's highly anticipated experimental rocket launch mission 'Duqm-2' was aborted due to a technical issue on Sunday. According to the company, the team behind the launch vehicle, Stellar Kinetics 'encountered an issue with a COTS valve actuator used for various systems on the Kea-1 vehicle.' Consequently, the launch has been postponed until 'a replacement solution is developed,' it stated. In a statement, HH Sayyid Azzan bin Qais Al Said, CEO – Etlaq Spaceport, shared the following: 'Today's stand-down of the launch reflects the diligence and precision required in aerospace operations. We commend the teams, both local and international, for their disciplined decision-making in prioritizing safety and system integrity.' According to the CEO, despite the failure to launch, the mission achieved several operational milestones. 'We achieved many objectives of the Duqm-2 mission, including planning the mission, navigating regulatory processes, designing ground infrastructure, and building an integration hangar.' He added: 'Etlaq Spaceport continues to rapidly acquire knowledge to prove itself as a capable, reliable host, and this effort further strengthens our role in building sustainable, skill-based partnerships in the global launch ecosystem.' A spokesperson for Stellar Kinetics stated: 'It has been an exciting few months working closely with the Etlaq and NASCOM teams preparing for this mission. We proved out the majority of our objectives, demonstrating how fast we can move through this complex programme with our regional partners. The National Space Programme and Civil Aviation Authority provided support throughout, allowing agility and responsiveness in the regulatory environment that is immensely valuable for a fast-paced programme like the Duqm-2 mission.' The Duqm-2 mission is slated to carry two education-focused research payloads. The first is developed by the UK based Joint Universities Programme for In-Orbit Training, Education and Research (JUPITER), brought together students and researchers from the University of Surrey, the University of Portsmouth and the University of Southampton. The Jupiter payload included the Jovian-O 6U CubeSat, a prototype deployment system, and DAVE, (Dual Aperture for Viewing Earth), which is equipped with two small cameras - one to capture images and videos of Earth, and the other is a space-facing camera to monitor space debris. The second payload was developed by SIGHT Space, a Taiwanese student-led initiative from National Central University. Their PocketQube II satellite was designed to record real-time structural stress and environmental data (temperature, pressure, acceleration) during suborbital flight. Duqm-2 is part of a series of experimental launch initiative - the Genesis Programme - that aims to cultivate Oman's launch culture before the port's operation in 2027. The mission was scheduled as the second launch of the year, following the postponement of mission UNITY-1 earlier this year due to unfavourable weather conditions and technical issues. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
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.
