Etlaq Spaceport

Etlaq Spaceport is a commercial spaceport located near the Special Economic Zone of Duqm, Oman. It is designed to support spaceflight operations, including commercial satellite launches, research missions, and potential interplanetary exploration. The spaceport will include mission control facilities, range and safety control capabilities, and launch complexes for orbital and suborbital vehicles.^[1][2]

Etlaq Spaceport

Industry	Commercial spaceport
Founded	2022; 3 years ago (2022)
Headquarters	Muscat, Oman
Services	Launch Complexes Static Testing Vehicle Integration Units Mission Control Range Control Warehousing and Storage Logistics and Ground Support
Parent	National Aerospace Services Company (NASCOM)
Website	www.etlaq.om

History

In January 2023 The National Aerospace Services Company (NASCOM) announced the Etlaq Spaceport project, marking Oman's entry into the space launch sector.^[3]

January 2024 Etlaq participated in the first Middle East Space Conference in Oman, announcing a strategic partnership with Oman Telecommunications Company to enhance spaceport infrastructure and connectivity.^[4][5]

Launches

In December 2024, Etlaq launched its first experimental rocket, named "Duqm-1," . The launch took place from the Etlaq Spaceport in Oman, with support from the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the National Space Program, the Civil Aviation Authority, NASCOM, and other institutional stakeholders. The launch occurred at 10:05 AM local time from a site south of the Wilayat of Duqm, located at coordinates 18 degrees north and 56 degrees east.^[6][7]

Collaborations

In June 2024, Etlaq Spaceport, with support from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Oman, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ABL Space Systems.^[8]