Insider Brief:
- Oman’s foray into the space sector has seen significant growth, with investments totalling RO 20 million within the last two years.
- the Ministry is actively developing several space projects as part of its larger agenda.
- Local company, ETCO Space recently announced a joint venture to manufacture satellites in Oman.
In recent years, Oman’s foray into the space sector has seen significant growth, with investments totalling RO 20 million within the last two years alone. During a recent media gathering, Dr. Ali al Shidhani, Under-Secretary of Communications and IT at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, shared insights into this burgeoning industry .
The catalyst for this surge in investment came with the release of Oman’s Executive Space Programme in 2023. Dr. Al Shidhani noted that as the Ministry began to champion space initiatives, global companies recognized Oman as a promising hub for space activities. Notably, local companies like ETCO, responsible for Oman’s inaugural satellite Aman-1, and NASCOM, pioneers of the first spaceport in the MENA region in Duqm, played pivotal roles in attracting investment. Additionally, international entities such as SatMENA have established a presence in Oman.
Interestingly, non-space companies are also venturing into this domain. For instance, Omantel has diversified its portfolio by tapping into space-related ventures, showcasing the broadening appeal and potential of the sector.
Looking ahead, the Ministry is actively developing several space projects as part of its larger agenda. Among these initiatives are plans for a space cloud partnership, a space accelerator, a public satellite, and a global space conference.
The milestones achieved in 2023 underscore Oman’s commitment to space exploration and technology. From the successful launch of Aman-1 to NASCOM’s ambitious plans for the region’s first spaceport, Oman is poised to make significant contributions to the global space industry.
With ETCO Space’s recent announcement of a joint venture to manufacture satellites in Oman, the nation’s trajectory in the space sector continues to ascend. As investments pour in and initiatives take shape, Oman’s journey into the cosmos promises exciting prospects for innovation and collaboration.
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