MUSCAT: A long-term National Space Policy issued recently by the Omani Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIP) has identified as many as 14 projects and investment opportunities that will contribute to the development of a domestic downstream space industry.
The initiatives, primarily targeted at international investors and technology partners, centre on establishing or enabling the following in Oman: Space Cloud Partnership, Satellite ground station hub, Direct receiving station, National Space Data Platform, End user applications booster program (Sandbox), Center of Excellence for space applications, Cubesat project, Space Accelerator, National space observatory, World Space Conference, Satellite R&D programme, National Satcom Initiative, Regional Satnav augmentation system, and Launch site partnership.
Key project opportunities:
Space Cloud Partnership: Through partnerships with world class space and cloud partners, Oman aims to develop a space-based cloud (satellite sourced data) service ecosystem that intersects with leading edge computing and data analytics. “The ecosystem will contribute to develop downstream space industry- the development of space applications and services in Oman,” says an Executive Programme issued along with the Space Policy.
Ground Stations Hub: This initiative will leverage Oman’s strategic location with respect to the equator to host ground stations as a service for satellite operators. Additionally, it will take advantage of the presence of 21 submarine cables installed in Oman’s proximity to feed data downloaded from satellite.
Direct Receiving Station (DRS): Intersecting with the Ground Stations as Services (GSaS) initiative, this project aims to attract foreign satellite operators to establish their DRS in Oman while allowing Omani users to access data received through the station.
National Space Data Platform: This project aims to provide the Earth Observer sector with a state-of-the-art digital platform to gather, process and share data fostering applications and eco¬system development. The platform will also help build national capacity in the downstream sector to support di¬gitalization and economic diversification.
End-user Applications Booster Program (Sandboxing): This initiative aims to encourage key economic sectors, such as Oil & Gas, agriculture, maritime, urban planning, and so on, to adopt space-based solutions to support the development of national service providers.
Launch Site Partnership: Through partnerships with international investors, this initiative envisions the establishment of potentially the first regional spaceport in Oman.
The Executive Programme of Oman’s Space Policy, first unveiled last week, targets a 10-year timeframe for the establishment of the broad underpinnings of a new industry centring initially around downstream space applications and thereafter into the development of systems and hardware.
“The executive programme aims to sup¬port the Sultanate of Oman’s vision in the field of the space sector with its various sciences, technologies, ap¬plications and services. The positive results of the sector for the country within 10 years will be determined through partnership in implemen¬ting various projects and initiatives,” the Ministry added.
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