US-Oman venture plans aerospace industrial hub in Duqm

MUSCAT: A proposed US-Omani joint venture aims to transform the area surrounding Etlaq Spaceport in Duqm into an integrated aerospace industrial and commercial hub, supporting Oman's ambitions to establish a competitive space economy encompassing satellite services, manufacturing, logistics and related infrastructure.
Oman's National Aerospace Services Company (NASCOM) and Florida-based Karman Line Inc have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish Space Coast Oman, a venture designed to develop the industrial facilities, infrastructure and services required to support commercial space operations at Duqm. The partners expect to conclude definitive agreements by December 31, 2026, according to a joint announcement issued on November 9.
The proposed development will encompass satellite integration and testing facilities, industrial and logistics infrastructure, power and digital connectivity, research and training centres, hospitality facilities and workforce accommodation.
The initiative is intended to build a wider aerospace ecosystem around Etlaq, enabling international launch providers, satellite companies and technology businesses to establish operations in Duqm without having to independently develop expensive supporting infrastructure.
HH Sayyid Azzan bin Qais al Said, founder and CEO of NASCOM, said the venture would help establish the conditions for a sustainable aerospace industry, including residential communities and specialised employment opportunities for Omanis.
NASCOM, the majority shareholder in Etlaq Services LLC, will contribute local leadership, land-development interests and stakeholder relationships. Karman Line will spearhead master planning, infrastructure development, capital mobilisation and engagement with American aerospace businesses.
Bouzganda, Karman Line's local strategic and investment partner, and US-based Vanquish Venture Partners will also support the initiative.
Sean Graham, CEO of Karman Line, said the partnership would help transform Duqm from a rocket-launch location into a broader industrial ecosystem encompassing manufacturing, logistics, digital infrastructure, training and residential facilities.
The development model envisages dedicated investment in long-term infrastructure assets, allowing aerospace companies to concentrate their financial resources on technology development and launch operations.
Omantel, a strategic investor and telecommunications infrastructure partner to Etlaq since 2024, is expected to provide digital connectivity supporting the proposed aerospace hub.
Located on Oman's Arabian Sea coast at approximately 18 degrees north latitude, Etlaq offers access to open-ocean launch corridors suitable for a range of orbital trajectories, subject to regulatory approvals and mission requirements.
The spaceport has supported suborbital launch activities since the Duqm-1 mission in December 2024 and is pursuing agreements with international launch providers, targeting orbital launch capability by 2028.
While Etlaq will remain separately owned and operated, Space Coast Oman is expected to support its commercial growth by attracting private investment, developing specialised infrastructure and creating skilled employment opportunities aligned with Oman Vision 2040.