Etlaq and the Making of a National Space Infrastructure

Located on Oman’s southeastern coast, Etlaq Spaceport is the centerpiece of the nation’s emerging aerospace ambitions. Developed by the state-backed National Aerospace Services Company (NASCOM), the facility is designed to offer a flexible, commercial launch site optimized for a variety of orbital paths, including equatorial, polar, and sun-synchronous trajectories.

With this move, Oman joins a small but growing group of countries investing in national space infrastructure to diversify economies, advance technology capabilities, and enter the increasingly competitive global space sector.

What Is Etlaq?

Etlaq is structured around three launch complexes tailored for different payload classes: LC1 for heavy-lift orbital missions, LC2 for medium-sized rockets, and LC3A/B for suborbital and micro-launch vehicles.

The spaceport benefits from Duqm’s strategic location—offering a wide-open ocean downrange, direct access to air and sea logistics, and integration with a rapidly growing free zone. This makes Etlaq uniquely positioned to support regional and international launch clients.

The Genesis Program

A core component of Etlaq’s development is the Genesis Program, launched in 2024. This initiative offers a full-cycle, fast-track launch service, promising suborbital mission readiness in just 14 weeks.

It includes deployable infrastructure such as mobile launch pads, mission control systems, safety units, and support facilities. Genesis also functions as a talent development effort, with NASCOM training local engineers and operators to establish in-country aerospace capabilities.

The First Launch: Duqm‑1

On December 5, 2024, Oman conducted its first space mission from Etlaq: the Duqm‑1 suborbital launch using a Weka rocket. This marked Oman’s operational entry into spaceflight and validated the Genesis Program’s ability to rapidly deploy and support launch operations. The mission demonstrated the viability of Etlaq’s technical and safety frameworks.

What’s Ahead

Looking ahead, Etlaq plans five additional launches in 2025 through Genesis, involving partnerships with space companies from the UK, New Zealand, and Gulf states. These missions will explore propulsion advancements, stage separation, reusable systems, and landing mechanisms. Etlaq also has its sights set on orbital launches by 2027, with projects like PLD Space’s MIURA 5 poised to elevate Oman’s aerospace profile even further.

Why It Matters

Etlaq represents a significant shift in Oman’s national strategy. By investing in a spaceport, the country is building the infrastructure necessary for a future-facing economy. Strategically located and built to international standards, Etlaq offers a fuel-efficient launch site with access to multiple orbital corridors. It supports Oman’s broader Vision 2040 goal of economic diversification beyond oil, while attracting international collaborators and commercial clients.

The spaceport is also a catalyst for workforce development and public engagement. Its Genesis Program equips Omani professionals with hands-on experience, while public launch viewing zones invite community participation and STEM education. This dual focus—on technical excellence and civic involvement—positions Etlaq as more than a launchpad: it’s a platform for innovation, education, and global relevance.