The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology affirmed that 2025 marked a pivotal milestone in the development of the space sector in the Sultanate of Oman, through the implementation of a set of flagship and high-impact projects aimed at strengthening the Sultanate’s position as a regional hub for space downstream applications, in line with the objectives of the Omani National Space Policy and its Executive Program (2023–2033) and in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.
This momentum comes within the broader framework of building a space economy driven by innovation and knowledge, enhancing national capabilities, supporting environmental sustainability, and enabling national sovereignty and security through the deployment of space applications and technologies. Recognizing the importance of partnerships in achieving these strategic objectives, the Ministry has adopted a collaborative approach with a range of local and international stakeholders, with a focus on developing the sector’s foundational infrastructure and unlocking investment opportunities for investors from within the Sultanate and abroad.
The “OmanSat-1” project is the first Omani communications satellite, aiming to enhance digital sovereignty and ensure the continuity of telecommunications and data transmission services. The contract for design, manufacturing, and launch was signed with Airbus in November 2025. The satellite will be based on Airbus’s OneSat platform, featuring full digital flexibility and in-orbit reconfigurability. Its coverage will include the Sultanate of Oman, including its exclusive economic waters, as well as the Middle East, East Africa, and Asia. The satellite will be operated by SCT, with commercial operations expected to commence in May 2029.
The Oman Space Accelerator Program (OSAP) is the first national program dedicated to accelerating space-sector startups in the Sultanate of Oman.
It aims to localize space-based services and applications for both the local and regional markets. The program contributes to enhancing innovation and entrepreneurship, creating high-quality jobs, increasing the contribution of the space sector to GDP, and building a sustainable national space ecosystem.
The program supports 10 startups through an intensive 15-week program that includes advanced technical and commercial training, as well as professional mentorship from local and international experts, within a stimulating innovation environment. This enabled participating companies to develop prototypes and connect directly with investors. The startups presented their solutions to a jury and investors, showcasing innovative applications in areas such as satellite communications, remote sensing, geospatial data analytics, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).
The Middle East Space Conference (MESC 2026) represents the second edition of this leading regional event, following the success of its inaugural edition in 2024. The conference and its accompanying exhibition are part of the initiatives under the Omani National Space Policy and its Executive Program (2023–2033). The event is organized by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, in partnership with Novaspace, and will take place from 26 to 28 January 2026 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre in Muscat.
The conference aims to highlight the Sultanate of Oman’s position as a regional gateway for space services and applications supporting economic diversification, and to provide a platform that brings together senior leaders and pioneers of the space sector at both regional and international levels. It also seeks to transfer and localize knowledge, build national capabilities, enable entrepreneurship and startups, and enhance societal and academic awareness of space sciences. The conference is expected to welcome more than 40 international leaders and executives, alongside 500 participants and over 80 high-level speakers.
Over the course of three days, the conference will address a range of strategic themes through an interactive program, including national space policies, space agency strategies, satellite program development, ground-segment ecosystems, financing mechanisms, and international cooperation frameworks, while highlighting the evolving space landscape in the Sultanate of Oman.
The program will also focus on the practical impact of space technologies, particularly in satellite communications and Earth observation, and their role in supporting connectivity, urban development, energy, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and critical infrastructure protection.
The conference will conclude with dedicated sessions on enablers, bringing together regulators, investors, startups, incubators and accelerators, and academic institutions to discuss regulatory frameworks, innovation ecosystems, venture capital financing, and talent development.
The Duqm Launch Project is one of the strategic investment opportunities stemming from the Omani National Space Policy and its Executive Program (2023–2033). The project envisions the establishment of a spaceport that provides the necessary infrastructure and ground facilities for launch service operators, along with integrated logistical support. The project is being developed by the National Space Services Company (NASCOM) in cooperation with a number of international partners in the space launch domain.
The project aims to develop a national spaceport for launching experimental and suborbital space vehicles, paving the way for the provision of commercial launch services by 2027. A major milestone was achieved with the successful first experimental launch of the “Duqm-1” rocket in 2024, in addition to the “Duqm-2” mission, which involved the launch of the KIA-1 vehicle operated by Stellar Kinetics (an experimental suborbital vehicle) without ignition. This mission contributed to the collection of critical operational data, the activation of safety protocols, and the development of national capabilities in launch systems and associated infrastructure, thereby enhancing the attractiveness of the Sultanate of Oman as a regional hub for space launch services and supporting economic diversification.
The Space Technology and Science Corner at the Children’s Museum is one of the awareness-raising and educational initiatives under the National Space Program. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, with funding from private sector companies. It aims to develop an interactive educational and tourism-oriented space that leverages space exploration to inspire children and youth, and to enhance their interest in space science and technology and STEM fields.
The corner will feature a space-simulated environment and tools, in addition to a virtual reality capsule that simulates a space vehicle. The project contributes to promoting science tourism, nurturing scientific hobbies, innovation, and entrepreneurship among youth, and supporting the national economy through sustainable knowledge-based initiatives.
The National Capacity-Building Program in the Space Sector (2024–2027) is one of the strategic programs developed by the Ministry in implementation of the Royal directives. The program aims to qualify and empower national talent to contribute effectively to achieving the objectives of the National Space Policy and its Executive Program, by preparing a new generation of young leaders equipped with the skills and competencies required to foster innovation, actively support the local market, and advance the development of the space sector. The program also focuses on knowledge transfer and localization of relevant space technologies, including satellites and their applications.
The program is implemented through a series of training workshops covering a wide range of areas, including space applications and remote sensing, policies and strategies, entrepreneurship and financing, artificial intelligence and deep learning for geospatial mapping, the use of Earth observation data and cloud computing in disaster management programs, as well as the development of experimental space projects. It targets government employees, entrepreneurs, students, and researchers through integrated professional, academic, and commercial pathways. Since its launch in 2023, the program has benefited more than 200 participants.
The Space Engineering Laboratory Project is a flagship initiative developed in collaboration between the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) and Sultan Qaboos University, under the National Space Policy and the Executive Program for the Space Sector. The project aims to establish a Space Engineering Laboratory at Sultan Qaboos University, implemented in multiple phases during 2024–2027. Following the successful completion of Phase One with the establishment of a ground station, Phase Two focuses on developing the laboratory infrastructure and providing advanced equipment. The project seeks to build national capabilities in CubeSat design, manufacturing, and applications, stimulate research, development and innovation, support space startups, and enable technology and knowledge transfer to local academic and industrial talents.
The Youth Astronauts Camp Project is one of the awareness and inspiration initiatives in the space sector, targeting school students aged 7–15 as part of efforts to build early national capacity. Recognizing the importance of private sector engagement, the camp is implemented by the Global Space and Technology Company, with the aim of inspiring the younger generation about the importance of space science and technologies through a balanced mix of simplified theoretical learning, hands-on experimental activities, and interactive experiences.
In 2025, the program is expected to reach approximately 80 participants, distributed across four cohorts, through a series of training workshops held in several governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. The initiative contributes to enhancing scientific awareness and nurturing a passion for space science and technology among youth.
The Omani Space Sector Private Companies Mapping Project is one of the strategic initiatives aimed at identifying and classifying private-sector companies operating in space services and applications, while linking them to global markets on one hand and to local beneficiaries and institutions on the other. This contributes to the systematic promotion of the national space sector and strengthens its economic presence.
The project has demonstrated sustained growth in the sector since the launch of the National Space Policy in January 2023, supported by key indicators including an increase in the number of companies, investment volumes, and employment opportunities. The 2025 update showed an increase in the number of companies to more than 25, compared to 21 companies in 2024, alongside the expansion of national capabilities, with the number of employees in both the public and private sectors exceeding 400 professionals. In addition, the launch of two satellites (OL-1 and Aman-1) by Omani companies reflects the broadening base of the local space economy.
The Ministry’s participation in organizing the NASA Space Apps Hackathon, in cooperation with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, which is held annually, comes as part of its initiatives aimed at promoting a culture of innovation and building capacity in the space sector. The Ministry is keen to play an active role in the hackathon, represented by the National Space Program team, through participation in panel discussions and accompanying activities, as well as coordination with private sector companies by organizing introductory workshops to discuss opportunities for support and engagement. The hackathon aims to enhance awareness of space science and technologies, and to provide a platform that brings together students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and experts, while leveraging educational and training opportunities to develop participants’ skills and stimulate innovation in space application.
