MUSCAT, DEC 1
The first rocket to be launched from the Sultanate of Oman and the MENA region will take off on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from the Etlaq Spaceport in Duqm, according to a statement from the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT).
The first scientific experimental rocket “Duqm-1” will launch from a platform in southern Duqm (coordinates: 18°N, 56°E) and is expected to reach an altitude of 140 km above sea level at a speed of 1,530 m/s for approximately 15 minutes.
According to officials, the rocket measures at 6.5 meters in length, and 80 kg in weight empty, and 123 kg fueled.
In a statement, Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, said: “The project is part of the Ministry’s strategic initiatives under the Executive Programme for the space sector. These initiatives aim to maximize the benefits of Oman’s strategic enablers, including its geographic location, to localize space sciences and technologies, attract investments, and develop partnerships with the private sector in executing high-value projects.”
Al Maawali added, “The project contributes to economic diversification, job creation, and business opportunities in the space sector. This step marks the beginning of establishing a spaceport for launching scientific rockets and satellites, addressing commercial and research needs in space launches, and enhancing international and regional cooperation in the space sector.”
The Under-Secretary for Communications and Information Technology at the Ministry, Dr Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, said the country’s geographical conditions make it ideal for space activities. “Oman is among the countries with favorable conditions for such space activities, including its geographic location near the equator and the Tropic of Cancer, which reduces costs and time for launching space objects into various orbits. The project also benefits from Oman’s coastline along the ocean, providing a safety zone for such ventures.”
According to Etlaq, the spaceport’s location is Duqm was selected due to its proximity to the equator, which allows rockets to achieve higher launch velocities thus enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing launch costs.
Dr Al Shidani also highlighted that project is expected to meet the growing demand for satellite launch services, given the limited number of spaceports globally and the absence of facilities in the Middle East. It will also capitalize on the spaceport’s proximity to the Special Economic Zone in Duqm (SEZAD).
The imminent launch represents a huge milestone in Oman’s efforts to venture into the space sector. Last year, the Ministry unveiled the National Space Policy and Executive Programme, which aims to position Oman as a global hub for space activities and boost the contribution of the digital economy to the local GDP.
However, as Oman’s strategy primarily focuses on downstream activities, which include terrestrial space operations and services such as Earth observation and satellite communications, the launch marks a significant venture into the upstream sector of the space industry—a domain with no or marginal activities since 2021, according to the National Space Policy .
The spaceport, which was first announced in 2023 by parent company National Aerospace Services Company (NASCOM), is expected to be fully operational by 2026/2027 and will provide rocket and satellite launch services for research and commercial purposes and rocket assembly and testing facilities. It is also expected to become the first of its kind in the region.
This week’s historic launch will take place between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM and will not be open to the general public. An advisory issued by the Ministry in this regard urges fishermen and sea-goers to keep away from the proximity of the launch site during this period.
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