Muscat – Oman’s space sector is moving beyond its establishment phase, with private investment, the number of companies and employment all recording strong growth as the country advances satellite projects, launch infrastructure and national capability-building.

According to the National Space Programme Achievements Report 2023–2025, around 65% of projects under the national space policy and executive programme are under implementation, covering areas including space sovereignty, satellites and launch capabilities.

The number of companies operating in the sector rose from 11 in 2023 to 20 in 2024 and 26 in 2025, representing 136% growth over the period. Employment increased from 152 to 241 and then 400, a 163% rise.

Private-sector investment also grew sharply, from RO20mn in 2023 to RO65mn in 2024 and RO74mn in 2025, an increase of 270%.

H E Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said the sector was developing rapidly as an enabler of the digital economy and economic diversification, while strengthening national capabilities under Oman Vision 2040.

He said 2025 saw progress in infrastructure, national skills, international partnerships, legislation and regulation, alongside efforts to attract investment in space applications and services.

A major milestone was the OmanSat-1 communications satellite project. In November 2025, the ministry signed an agreement with Airbus Defence and Space for the satellite’s design, manufacturing and launch.

The ministry appointed Space Communications Technologies, an Oman Investment Authority-owned company, to operate the project and serve as its national operator after launch.

OmanSat-1 is intended to strengthen Oman’s digital and communications sovereignty, expand coverage and develop national expertise in satellite technologies.

The country is also developing launch capabilities in Duqm. In February 2025, the ministry signed a memorandum of understanding with National Space Services Company (NASCOM), designating it as a qualified entity to establish and operate spaceports.

The Duqm project aims to establish a national spaceport for experimental and suborbital vehicles and eventually support commercial launch services.

The first experimental Duqm-1 rocket was launched successfully in December 2024 by Etlaq, affiliated with NASCOM, under ministry supervision.

Private participation has also expanded through satellite projects. Aman-1, owned by Atco Space, was launched in November 2023 and became the first satellite launched by an Omani company.

In November 2024, Oman Lens-1 (OL-1) was launched, combining artificial intelligence and remote-sensing technologies for Earth observation and environmental applications.