Muscat – Oman is set to enter a new phase in space-based communications with the launch of OmanSat-1, its first national communications satellite, a project officials say will enhance digital sovereignty, secure critical services and reposition the sultanate as a regional satellite operator.

In an interview with Muscat Daily, H E Dr Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology in the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said the project marks a strategic shift from reliance on foreign satellite operators to national ownership and control.

“OmanSat-1 represents an independent space communications infrastructure,” H E Shidhani said. “It will give Oman greater control over telecommunications and data services for government and private institutions, with higher levels of security for national information.”

The satellite will ensure the continuity of vital services during emergencies, natural disasters or disruptions to terrestrial networks, supporting national security and economic stability, he added.

OmanSat-1 will cover the entire territory of Oman and its exclusive economic waters, as well as parts of the Middle East, East Africa and Asia. The satellite will support broadband Internet, and secure institutional networks and satellite connectivity for key sectors including oil and gas, aviation and maritime transport.

Built on Airbus’ OneSat digital platform, the satellite will allow in-orbit reconfiguration, offering operational flexibility and competitiveness compared with conventional satellites.

Under the official timeline, ground delivery is scheduled for June 30, 2028, while full in-orbit acceptance and the start of commercial services are expected by May 1, 2029.

H E Shidhani said the launch will move Oman from being a consumer of satellite services to an operator and provider, placing it among countries that own and manage independent space infrastructure.

Operating from geostationary orbit, OmanSat-1 will serve regional markets beyond the sultanate, opening opportunities for commercial partnerships with telecom operators, governments and service providers across multiple regions.

Operations have been assigned to Space Communication Technologies (SCT), a company owned by Oman Investment Authority, which will act as the national operator after launch.

A dedicated project management office has been established within SCT to oversee implementation, ensure readiness of ground infrastructure and build a fully integrated operational system inside Oman to deliver services to public and private users.

The project aligns with broader national initiatives to develop the space sector, including capacity-building programmes, support for space startups and plans to expand space-related services from Duqm.

At the end of 2025, Oman’s space sector employed 401 professionals, including 350 in the private sector, with around 25 companies operating in the field, according to official figures.

H E Shidhani said initiatives such as the Oman Space Accelerators programme aim to strengthen national expertise in satellite systems, space data analytics and specialised software, supporting the long-term sustainability of the sector.