Latest news with #NationalSpaceProgram
Time of India
2 days ago
- 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.'
Observer
3 days ago
- 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.
