21-02-2025
Omani Etlaq Spaceport announces five test launches for 2025
Oman plans to launch five rockets from its emerging spaceport this year, beginning in April, with a dedicated fan zone set to open soon. Photo credit: Etlaq Spaceport
Etlaq Spaceport, the first commercial spaceport in the Middle East and North Africa, has revealed plans for five test launches in 2025 during the Etlaq Launch Conference. These missions will focus on critical technology demonstrations, including controlled ascent and descent, landing systems, stage separation and fuel efficiency.
Collaborating with international partners from Kuwait, the United Kingdom and New Zealand, Etlaq aims to position Oman as a key player in the global space industry while fostering international cooperation in space exploration.
At the core of this initiative is the Genesis Programme, launched in 2024 to establish Omans national space launch heritage. Initially developed for the National Space Services Company's (NASCOM) experimental Duqm-1 mission, the programme will facilitate suborbital and experimental launches from 2025 to 2027, laying the foundation for future orbital operations.
Etlaq reaffirmed its commitment to safety and sustainability, with the spaceports location in Wilayat Al Duqm providing a secure exclusion zone to ensure risk-free launches. Safety is our top priority. Every mission will undergo rigorous risk assessments to maintain operational integrity, an Etlaq spokesperson said.
As part of broader efforts to advance Omans space sector, the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NASCOM, granting the company 'Qualified Entity' status for spaceport development and operations. This agreement supports Omans vision to become a regional space hub, fostering private sector growth, foreign investment, and technology localization.
In a major collaboration, Etlaq signed an agreement with Spanish launch service provider PLD Space to facilitate the launch of MIURA 5 from Oman. Additionally, an MoU with SatMENA will enable cooperation on ground station services and operational support for upcoming launches.
Reflecting its growing global aspirations, Etlaq unveiled a refreshed brand identity, alongside a rebranding of the Oman Society for Astronomy and Space, signalling a new era for the nations space industry.
