Firming up its ambitious plans to procure and launch Oman’s maiden satellite, wholly government-owned Space Communications Technology LLC (SCT) has invited international companies to compete for its contract to support the delivery of its OmanSat-1 satellite programme.
Muscat-based SCT, part of Oman Investment Authority (OIA), has been tasked with spearheading the development of the country’s National Satellite Programme centring on the construction of national satellite communications infrastructure to meet the requirements of public and private sector telecommunications.
SCT says its primary goal is to oversee the procurement of a “High Throughput Satellite (HTS) that meets all the requirements of the Sultanate with high technical features through a coverage of the Sultanate’s entire territory, its economic waters, and associated external markets, with high-speed/throughput data”.
A tender floated by the company late last week invites suitably qualified international companies to submit technical and commercial proposals covering all of the hardware, software, technical expertise, training support and other wherewithal necessary to procure, launch, operate and maintain the country’s maiden satellite programme. The contract covers both the space-based and ground-control aspects of the programme.
Structured into three segments, the first focuses on the space component, and includes the procurement of the satellite itself, launch services, orbit raising support, in-orbit testing, provision of satellite simulators, insurance support and technical training services.
A sizable part of the contract deals with hardware and software capabilities to be provided in support of ground control services. It includes the installation of primary and back-up satellite control centres, payload control, capacity management, RF and other antennas, and training support.
Envisaged in the third segment is the provision of in-country services that includes installation and commissioning of ground control infrastructure, and training and support services.
SCT has specified that interested bidders must have proven experience in the delivery of at least three Ka band high-throughput satellites, as well as expertise in ‘flexible satellite technologies’ in order to ensure the in-orbit installation of the OmanSat-1 satellite.
Interested bidders have until September 21, 2021 to submit firm technical and commercial offers in support of their bids.
Separately, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology is preparing to appoint an international consultant to craft a National Space Policy for the Omani government.
The proposed policy will enable the government to, among other things, shape the strategic focus and contours of a future industry around space. In addition to attracting investment into the sector, it will also help in the development of national technical and industrial capabilities in various areas across the industry. Additionally, it will support international cooperation in the field of space.
A robust national satellite programme, the government says, is necessary to help strengthen, among other things, telecommunications, earth observations, environmental monitoring and protection, border monitoring and national security and meteorological services. OmanSat-1 is targeted for launch in 2024.
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