Muscat: Omani space-tech startup Oman Lens announced that it launched the first satellite yesterday, November 11, 2024, from a launch facility in Jiuquan in China.
The AI enhanced remote sensing satellite ‘OL-1’ was launched on board Chinese commercial carrier rocket Lijian-1 Y5 with 14 other satellites onboard, from the Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Test Zone, according to the Chinese news agency, Xinhua.
Oman Lens said the satellite is a result of a collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Chinese space company Star.Vision Aerospace and Omani investment firm Mars Development & Investment.
A spokesperson from Oman Lens underscored the significance of the event, saying: “The launch of OL-1 is an historic moment for the Sultanate of Oman, as it not only boosts our observation capacity but also leverages AI to provide high-speed analysis directly from space.” The satellite is enhanced with artificial intelligence technologies, and specializes in remote sensing and earth monitoring.
According to the company, the satellite’s AI enhanced qualities allows it to “detect changes, classify land cover, and monitor environmental conditions with a higher degree of accuracy” in comparison to traditional satellites, at faster rates.
Data from the satellite will be used to monitor the country’s landscapes, infrastructure, and natural resources.
Furthermore, the company revealed that the satellite is the first of a planned constellation of 20 satellites.
“As we look to the future, we are excited about our ambitious plans under Sultanate of Oman Vision 2040, our goal is to launch a constellation of twenty satellites within the next five years, developing new technologies for smart cities and enhancing data analytics with the cooperation of our esteemed partners,” the spokesperson stated.
“Ultimately, we are not just launching satellites; we are launching a future filled with opportunities for growth, and we are committed to continuous improvement and adaptation to emerging technologies in alignment with the Sultanate of Oman’s national objectives,” the spokesperson added.
The launch of the satellite represents a significant milestone in Oman’s growing space industry. It is the second private-sector Omani satellite to be launched, following ETCO-Oman's nanosatellite Aman-1 last year.
Similarly, government officials unveiled that the Sultanate of Oman is in the process of acquiring its first national satellite.
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