Muscat, Dec 5
Duqm-1, the first a high-altitude rocket to be launched from the Sultanate of Oman and the MENA region, successfully took off from a spaceport in Duqm on Thursday, marking a milestone in nation's soaring space ambitions.
The experimental launch was carried out by Etlaq Spaceport, a subsidiary of the National Space Services Company (NASCOM), and took place at 10:05 am Oman time, from the coordinates 18°N, 56°E, south of the Duqm area, according to the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology.
In a statement, founder and CEO of Etlaq and NASCOM, His Highness Sayyid Azzan bin Kais al Said, said: "We are extremely delighted with the success of this historic event. Since the establishment of the company, we have envisioned Oman taking the lead in the first space rocket launches in the Middle East and establishing the region's first spaceport. There is no doubt that the success of this experiment has captured the world's attention, especially among professionals and enthusiasts in the space sector."
Dr Ali bin Amer al Shidhan, Under-Secretary for Communications and Information Technology at the Ministry, Dr Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, underscored the significance of the event, "This is a significant step that positions Oman on the global space industry map, attracting the attention of investors and international companies in the space sector to the promising opportunities in Oman for space investments and activities. The ministry is working on building strategic partnerships at both local and international levels and developing incentives to attract investments in the space sector. We hope that the experimental launch of the 'Duqm-1' rocket will mark the true beginning of establishing a spaceport for rocket launches, along with other initiatives aimed at localizing space technologies and strengthening Oman's space sector."
The launch of the rocket represents a significant milestone in Oman’s efforts to establish a space industry.
In 2023, the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology released the National Space Policy and Executive Programme, which aims to raise the contribution of the digital economy to the local GDP from 2 per cent to 5 per cent by 2030 and 10 per cent by 2040.
Furthermore, the Etlaq Spaceport, which will provide rocket and satellite launch services for research and commercial purposes and rocket assembly and testing facilities, is expected to be the first of its kind in the MENA region. It is expected to be fully operational by 2026/2027.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
