“Etlaq” Spaceport in Duqm Successfully Conducts Test Launch of Space Rocket

Duqm: The “Etlaq” Spaceport in the Duqm Special Economic Zone in the Sultanate of Oman has successfully conducted a test launch of the Azad Dreamer space rocket as part of a space mission named Karman X1.

The rocket, which is 4.3 meters long and weighs 26 kilograms, was launched from the spaceport site into the sky along a stable ascending trajectory, with its flight data accurately transmitted to the control center at the spaceport. The rocket continued along its trajectory until it reached the targeted final altitude within the test range. The test was not intended to reach space, but rather focused on testing the launch process and the rocket’s performance during flight, in addition to testing the technologies and systems used.

The Karman X1 mission marks the second successful launch from the “Etlaq” Spaceport in Duqm, following the successful launch of Duqm-1 in December 2024.

The Etlaq Spaceport team in Oman prepared the launch site, supported the integration of the rocket’s components, and managed safety operations within the launch area. The Karman X1 mission is part of the Takween Program, established by Etlaq in 2024 to facilitate suborbital and experimental rocket launches, with a focus on speed, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability to challenges.

The new mission further strengthens the expertise of Omani teams in launch operations and international partnerships, while supporting the development of commercial launch capabilities from Oman.

HH Sayyid Azzan bin Qais al Said, Chairman of the Oman Golf Association, CEO of Etlaq Spaceport, explained that the Karman X1 mission is the first mission at the spaceport to bring together an Omani launch operator,Stellar Kinetics MCT, which is based in Oman, and Singaporean company OculloSpace. The rocket’s payload was provided by Australian company Orbit2Orbit, reflecting the growth of Etlaq Spaceport, the expansion and diversification of its partnerships, and its ability to attract new space launch missions from different countries around the world.

His Highness added that the launch represents an important milestone for the spaceport, demonstrating Oman’s ability to connect partners from different parts of the world. Each mission contributes to strengthening operational expertise, while the lessons learned from this flight will help make the next mission even better. He said: “I am particularly proud of the team that worked side by side with our partners throughout all stages.”

It is worth noting that the Etlaq Spaceport project is one of the strategic projects supported and sponsored by the National Space Programme at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, under the space sector infrastructure pillar. The project aims to attract investment, transfer technologies, and localize them in Oman.