MUSCAT: Oman’s first satellite “Aman-1” launched successfully into space last Saturday, November 11, after a failed attempt earlier this year. According to a statement by Omani Space company ETCO Space, the satellite was successfully deployed into orbit onboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, from a California-based launch base.
Chief Executive Officer of ETCO Space, Abdulaziz Jaafar, shared the following remarks, “The launch of ETCO Space’s first satellite into space is a novel step, but hopefully one of many. We are not only excited about the data and images that Aman-1 will provide, but also committed to pushing the boundaries of our space program in the coming months and years," The satellite was set to launch earlier this year in January, as part of a mission by Virgin Orbit - a small satellite launching service provider and subsidiary of the Virgin Group - but failed due to technical mishaps.
Soon after in March, Virgin Orbit suspended operations and filed for bankruptcy after laying off 85 percent of employees. Oman’s ETCO labelled the launching failure as an anticipated potential risk of the space industry, and reassured stakeholders of the mission’s comprehensive insurance plan. Additionally, the company activated a response plan to “ensure the continuity of the mission's operations”.
Satellite “Aman-1”, is a collaborative effort between Oman’s ETCO, data analysis and solutions provider TUATARA, and nanosatellite manufacturer SatRevolution. The nanosatellite, also known as a cube satellite or a CubeSat will collect images and data which will be transmuted to ETCO’s ground station in Oman.
The satellite, the first of its kind of Oman, serves as part of the Omani Government’s recent space ambitions. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology unveiled the country’s executive space sector programme, which aims to “ to position the Sultanate of Oman as a regional getaway for space applications,” according to a Ministry official.
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