Oman will host Middle East’s first spaceport

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by Marta Pacheco

Marta studied Political Science and Media & Journalism at the Catholic University of Portugal (UCP) and has developed her journalistic career working for the Portuguese newspapers Diário de Notícias, Correio da Manhā and media outlets in Brussels. She is a reporter for Travel Tomorrow, and is also engaged in delivering communications services and EU policy research for different consultancies in Brussels. A former Blue Book trainee of the European Commission, Marta has a keen interest in EU and global affairs, and experience in reporting and interpreting information. Whenever she can, Marta loves traveling, exploring nature and learning about regenerative agriculture. She is also quite enthusiastic about space ventures and the cosmos.

20 January 2023 - 08:02

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Oman plans to build the Middle East’s first space rocket launch centre this year.

1. Nascom

The initiative to build a spaceport came from the National Aerospace Services Company, Nascom, which hopes to see its first rocket launch early next year. The whole construction, however, is estimated to take three years until full completion. “We have two main goals with the Duqm launch land: to build a launch centre for commercial, professional and educational rocket users to assemble, test and launch from,” stated Nascom, the Sultanate of Oman’s first aerospace services company.

2. Etlaq Space Launch Complex

The project will be located in the port town of Duqm, dubbed the Etlaq Space Launch Complex. Due to its equatorial positioning, authorities believe the site to make an ideal spot for launches, as the rocket can take advantage of the Earth’s rotational speeds. “Internationally verified studies have identified that Wilayat Al-Duqm’s equatorial positioning places it in the top 5 most efficient rocket launch latitudes in the world,” Nascom said.

Etlaq Space Launch Complex, the Spaceport of the Future!

Housed in Duqm, Oman. Etlaq will be the #MENA region’s largest, & most versatile, space launch complex. Offering design & production, testing, & launch facilities for Rocket & Satellite Operatorshttps://t.co/FkPC9Dzh60 pic.twitter.com/oAyzE5pZA4
— DarkStar Aerospace (@DarkStarAero) October 5, 2022

The Duqm Port opened in February 2022 as part of Oman’s efforts to diversify its economy and expand its infrastructure. The port was developed in partnership with the Belgium’s Port of Antwerp and received major investment from China.

3. Suborbital launch

Nascom also hopes to build the first Omani suborbital rocket that would be launched from the complex. The Middle East-based space company plans to develop rockets with hybrid-solid engines.

The rockets will inspire the youth to pursue science and technology and will set a standard for future generations to achieve and surpass.
Nascom

Nascom said it has been testing solid fuel, which is “much safer and environmentally friendly” than the fuels used in liquid engines. As for the scale of the rocket currently developing, the company said it is comparable to the suborbital rockets which are launched by universities in the US, which measure between 3 to 6 metres in length.

4. Space Settlement Centre

Oman plans to build a space research centre — Space Settlement Centre — for simulation missions and science experiments in the Duqm district’s Artificial Intelligence Zone. The project is hoped to help scientists carry out research in the space sector, artificial intelligence and advanced technology.

“The project aims to simulate a space environment to study the behaviour of astronauts before joining the actual astronaut flights,” said Bahiya Al Shuaibi, CEO of Oman’s Global Space and Technology Company. “It will serve scientists, researchers and those interested in doing experiments in the space sector, artificial intelligence and advanced technology.”