The spaceport will be the first of its kind in the MENA region.
Oman’s Etlaq spaceport will launch its first rocket at the end of this year according to Dr Saoud al Shoaili, Director-General and Head of the National Space Programme at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT).
Dr al Shoaili made the statement in an interview with Middle East Space Monitor. He said: The aim for Etlaq is to have its first launch by the end of this year, in December. Omans geographical location, being close to the equator, gives it a distinct advantage. Launching from near the equator means satellites can reach orbit more efficiently, requiring less fuel and ultimately reducing launch costs. This makes Oman a highly attractive option for satellite launches.
Emphasising the economic potential of the spaceport, he added: While Etlaq is currently focused on launching small sound rockets, we see this as just the beginning. Over time, this project has the potential to grow into a full-fledged spaceport. As more companies realise the economic benefits of launching from Oman such as lower costs and the security offered by our political neutralitythey may choose Oman over other locations for their launches. Our neutrality ensures that no foreign entity can interfere with or control their assets.
The Etlaq Spaceport is led by Omani space company National Aerospace Services Company (Nascom). The project, which was announced in 2023, is expected to be the first spaceport in the Mena region. It will provide rocket and satellite launch services for research and commercial purposes and rocket assembly and testing facilities. It will also include multiple research and development centers. The project is one of Omans most notable private initiatives in the space sector and is part of the MTCIT’s National Space Programme that aims to boost the digital economy’s contribution to the local GDP and establish Oman as a global space hub.
