Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (OCAA) has given the go-ahead for extra space launches from its new Etlaq Spaceport. One launch took place in December last year (NASCOM’s suborbital Duqm-1 rocket). The new facility is also open to foreign direct investment.

The OCAA says it can fast-track launch approvals in as little as 45 days and firmly intends to be the Middle East’s premiere commercial space hub. It says it now invites launch operators to use Etlaq for sub-orbital launches and orbital launches of micro-satellites as well as small, medium and even heavy craft seeking equatorial, polar or other orbits.

“This announcement is a landmark moment for the Sultanate of Oman and for the global space community,” H.H. Azzan Qais Al Said, CEO of NASCOM and Etlaq Spaceport, said in a statement. “By formalising a fast, clear, and internationally credible launch approval process, Oman is showing that it is serious about space launch, and that it is ready to host the world’s most ambitious missions.”

Spanish start-up PLD Space is already booked to use the facility for its MIURA 5 craft.

The potential appeal of Etlaq and its 18 degrees North location is its offering of a better Rotational Velocity than Cape Canaveral, and almost as good as that of French Guiana.

The spaceport is part of Oman’s overall 2023-2033 National Space Programme.

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