Oman National Space Program
Oman National Space Program
Advancing Innovation, Exploration, and Economic Growth (2023–2033)
The Sultanate of Oman, through the National Center for Space, Advanced Technology, and AI under the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT), is charting an ambitious course into the future with its National Space Program. Guided by Royal Decree 90/2020, this program positions Oman as a regional gateway to space applications, supporting economic diversification, national security, capacity building, environmental preservation, and international cooperation.
The Space Policy & Executive Program (2023–2033)
Developed with global expertise and local stakeholders, this 10-year strategy is built on three phases:
- Preparation (3 years) – Building capacity, legal frameworks, and infrastructure.
- Launch (4 years) – Implementing priority projects and initiatives.
- Orbital Phase (3 years) – Expanding capabilities and ensuring sustainability.
A Rich Legacy and a Bold Future
Oman’s link to space science dates back to ancient celestial navigation and agriculture. Modern efforts began in the 1970s with satellite stations, later expanding to observatories and research. In 2020, Oman formalized its ambitions by establishing the National Center for Space, Advanced Technology, and AI, joining global space bodies, and ratifying UN space treaties.
Oman National Space Program
Oman’s National Space Program (2023–2033), led by MTCIT under Royal Decree 90/2020, seeks to make the Sultanate a regional hub for space applications, driving economic diversification, security, capacity building, sustainability, and global cooperation.
Four Strategic Pillars guide the program
1
Economic Diversification
Fostering a competitive space economy.
2
National Security
Enhancing resilience through satellite capabilities.
3
Capacity Building
Developing local talent and expertise.
4
Environmental Stewardship
Leveraging space technology for sustainable development.
Flagship Projects
The program identifies 14 key projects — 11 core and 3 non-core — with 8 quick wins to accelerate progress. Highlights include:
Oman is an active member of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, the Arab Space Cooperation Group, and the Regional Center for Space Science and Technology Education for Western Asia. Partnerships have been signed with countries like India and Bahrain, alongside collaborations with global space agencies and companies.
Already, Oman has launched an Open Satellite Data Platform, advanced CubeSat development, built space accelerators, and established the Space Science and Technology Corner at the Children’s Museum — inspiring future generations in STEM.
Six major projects invite foreign direct investment and technology transfer, including the Space Cloud, Ground Stations, and Rocket Launch Platforms. Oman’s location near the equator, advanced telecom infrastructure, and political stability makes it an attractive base for global space ventures.
The program includes initiatives to integrate space sciences into school curricula, offer university aerospace programs, provide scholarships, and run hackathons and public awareness campaigns. Target groups include SMEs, researchers, and final-year students, ensuring a skilled workforce for the future space economy.
