The sky is not the limit anymore as Oman proudly breaks past the realms of land and atmosphere to enter Earth’s lower orbit when it launches CubeSat – the Sultanate’s first satellite – by the end of 2022. 

Oman’s first satellite in space will be the result of cooperation in developing CubeSat Standard between TUATARA, ETCO and SatRevolution; kickstarting an innovative project that will place Oman firmly on the map of the global space industry.

The strategic collaboration began at ‘The International Astronautical Congress’, the world’s premier global space event, held in Dubai from October 25 to 29.

In addition to representatives from local Omani companies ETCO, TUATARA, and Polish satellite manufacturer SatRevolution, the contract was signed in the presence of Prof. Grzegorz Worchna, President of the Polish Space Agency and Dr Saoud Al Shoaili, Head of the National Space Program within Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.

Ammar Al Rawahi, the Director of Astro and Space Technology at ETCO, pointed out that: “By cooperating with SatRevolution satellite manufacturer and space service company, one of the top providers of satellite imaging services in the world, we have secured a valuable partner with great access to the latest space technology and image analysis which will support the national digitalisation strategy.”

Besides the launch of the satellite itself, a five-year collaboration between the involved parties will include designing and manufacturing a complete satellite imaging receiving and transmission infrastructure based on CubeSat technology.

The project will be executed in stages comprising several crucial elements: the design, manufacture and development of software, enabling ETCO (International Emerging Technology Company) to operate Oman’s first national CubeSat; the creation of the ground station by TUATARA and SatRevolution, providing connection, operations and datalink with launched CubeSat; and personnel training and know-how transfer, including NASA’s best practices needed to execute all strategic goals.

SatRevolution has partnered with Virgin Orbit and SpaceX to deliver its satellites into space.

While satellites can be an important part of the global imaging supply chain, the project will be technologically independent, collecting and processing data that will serve the technological development of the Sultanate of Oman and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

Satellite images can be used to monitor agriculture, renewable energy, oil, mining, weather forecasting, border monitoring and national security within the Sultanate.

The launch of Oman’s first satellite will provide opportunities for talented engineering students, university researchers and the founders of new companies to acquire knowledge, gain hands-on experience and comparative advantage to accelerate the space industry in the Sultanate.