MUSCAT: ETCO Space, the company behind Oman's first successful satellite, has announced an upcoming collaboration with Etlaq, the region’s first spaceport, proposed to be established by National Aerospace Services Company (NASCOM) at Duqm.
It follows the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two companies, to collaborate on research and development, foster local innovation and boost national cadres.
The MoU was signed by Azzan bin Abdullah al Maamari, Vice President of ETCO Space, and Essam bin Abdulrahman al Zadjali, Chief Commercial Officer of Etlaq.
Under the terms of the MoU, Etlaq Spaceport is committed to providing R&D facilities, while ETCO Space is expected to contribute with its satellite and space propulsion technology expertise. Moreover, the MoU will enable ETCO Space to use the Duqm-based spaceport to launch its future payloads from Oman.
Additionally, the partnership is expected to develop a skilled Omani workforce and boost the local value within the local space sector.
Last March, Dr Ali al Shidhani, Under-Secretary of Communications and IT at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, revealed that the Sultanate of Oman garnered over RO 20 million worth of investments in the space sector over the last two years.
The Etlaq Spaceport is expected to be the first spaceport in the MENA region. According to officials, the Duqm-based complex will allow for the assembly, testing and launch of commercial, professional and educational rockets. Construction of the complex is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2024, and will be fully operational by 2026.
Moreover, ETCO Space also plans to launch a local satellite manufacturing joint venture in Oman.
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