The Sultanate of Oman is preparing to launch its first experimental scientific rocket – “Duqm-1”. The operation will take place under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, represented by the National Space Programme, in cooperation with strategic partners in the sector.

The project’s implementation and investment are undertaken by “Etlaq” company, a subsidiary of the National Space Services Company (NASCOM). A usufruct contract between NASCOM and the Ministry provides for the use of a plot of land in the Al-Kahl area in the Wilayat of Duqm in Al-Wusta Governorate to establish a spaceport to launch space rockets.

Eng. Said Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said that the project stems from strategic initiatives implemented by the Ministry within an executive programme for the space sector. The overall aim, he added, is to maximize gains from the country’s capabilities (including the geographical location), localise space sciences and technologies, attract investments and develop partnerships with the private sector in a bid to contribute to economic diversification and generate employment and business opportunities in the space sector.

Al Maawali affirmed that the project meets commercial and research needs in the field of space launch and is set to enhance regional and international cooperation in the space sector.

For his part, Dr. Ali Amer Al Shidhani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Communications and Information Technology, said that the Sultanate of Oman figures in the list of countries that enjoy attractive advantages for this type of space activities. He added that the country’s geographical location close to the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer helps cut down material cost and the time required to launch space objects into different orbits.

Al Shidhani added that the project benefits from the coastal strip of the Sultanate of Oman overlooking the ocean, noting that this provides a safe space for such projects. The project also makes use of the free economic zone in Duqm. This, he observed, encourages global investments, helps maximize economic gains and meets the growth in demand for launching satellites. The project assumes significance due to the limited number of spaceports around the world, with almost no similar ports in the Middle East, he said.

The project will be implemented in several stages. The first experimental launch mission (Duqm 1) is planned to take place on Wednesday, 4 December 2024, from a pad in the south of the A’Duqm area (site 18 North, 56 East). The rocket will be 6.5 m long and weigh 80 kg (empty) or 123 kg (with fuel). Upon its launch, the rocket will rise to a distance of 140 km above sea level at a speed of 1530 m/s for approximately 15 minutes.

Due to security precautions, the launch company said that this experimental launch will not be available for attendance by members of the public.

Oman is planning three more launches in 2025, with dates to be decided later.

It is worth noting that NASCOM, a fully Omani firm, was established in 2021 to operate and invest in space sector services.