An American company has expressed interest in launching its rockets from a spaceport that Oman is developing in its port town of Duqm.
The ABL Space Systems and Oman’s Etlaq Spaceport signed an agreement last week to explore possibilities of launching the company’s RS1 rockets.
They did not say when the launch would take place, but it could be nearer the end of the decade, depending on the progress of the rocket and spaceport.
If these plans go through, it would help bring satellite launch capability to the Gulf, helping to significantly boost the space sector in the region.
“The Gulf region space ecosystem is growing immensely, with new investment and large ambition in exploration, science missions and constellation deployment,” Harry O'Hanley, chief executive of ABL, said.
Oman announced plans to build a spaceport that supports all sizes of launch vehicles in 2022, with the site being able to host some launches by 2027 and becoming fully operational by 2030.
Azzan Al Said, chairman of Nascom – the company overseeing the project, had told The National earlier this year that the spaceport would have three launch complexes to host medium to large, small to medium and micro rockets.
The port’s equatorial positioning makes it an ideal spot for launches, as the rockets can take advantage of the Earth’s rotational speeds.
“The only other port closer to the equator is the one in French Guiana, but we don't see them as direct competitors because those are in completely different hemispheres,” said Mr Al Said.
“The other reason that makes Oman attractive for space launches is that [to] the east is the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
“Having that downrange clearance makes it much more favourable and safer for launches to take place without putting people in harm's way.”
ABL's rocket yet to reach orbit
The company attempted to launch the rocket on its maiden flight in January 2023 to deliver miniature satellites into orbit from an Alaskan spaceport.
It, however, failed after suffering a complete loss of power 10.87 seconds after lift-off.
The company is planning to launch the rocket on its second flight later this month from Alaska.
The RS1 rocket is a small, expendable two-stage launch vehicle that can carry payloads of up to 1,350kg to low-Earth orbit.
It aims to provide low-cost access to space for small satellites and other payloads.
Strict laws for US rocket companies
Before ABL can launch from Oman, the company needs to ensure it meets the legal requirements listed in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
The US regulations restrict American companies from exporting certain technology, which could explain why companies such as Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic have not been able to launch their space tourism flights from the Middle East, despite expressing interest.
A statement by Etlaq Spacesport said the agreement signed with ABL also focuses on “developing regulatory and export control frameworks with both the US and Oman governments”.
Mr Al Said had earlier told The National that Nascom would work towards “removing that barrier” once it starts getting interest from launch companies.
“There are things such as ITAR and safeguard agreements which would have to be put in place between Oman and the United States for them to operate here,” he said.
“It's a regulatory barrier but it's one that's easy to open up discussion on once we actually get interest.”
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The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
How tumultuous protests grew
- A fuel tax protest by French drivers appealed to wider anti-government sentiment
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- An estimated two dozen people lost eyes and many others were admitted to hospital
Manchester United v Liverpool
Premier League, kick off 7.30pm (UAE)
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Born November 11, 1948
Education: BA, English Language and Literature, Cairo University
Family: Four brothers, seven sisters, two daughters, 42 and 39, two sons, 43 and 35, and 15 grandchildren
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The Limehouse Golem
Director: Juan Carlos Medina
Cast: Olivia Cooke, Bill Nighy, Douglas Booth
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Match info
Uefa Nations League Group B:
England v Spain, Saturday, 11.45pm (UAE)
The biog
Favourite films: Casablanca and Lawrence of Arabia
Favourite books: Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Good to be Great by Jim Collins
Favourite dish: Grilled fish
Inspiration: Sheikh Zayed's visionary leadership taught me to embrace new challenges.
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ICC Intercontinental Cup
UAE squad Rohan Mustafa (captain), Chirag Suri, Shaiman Anwar, Rameez Shahzad, Mohammed Usman, Adnan Mufti, Saqlain Haider, Ahmed Raza, Mohammed Naveed, Imran Haider, Qadeer Ahmed, Mohammed Boota, Amir Hayat, Ashfaq Ahmed
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UAE v Afghanistan, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Hong Kong v Papua New Guinea, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Ireland v Scotland, Dubai International Stadium
Namibia v Netherlands, ICC Academy, Dubai
Newcastle United 0 Tottenham Hotspur 2
Tottenham (Alli 61'), Davies (70')
Red card Jonjo Shelvey (Newcastle)
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PAKISTAN v SRI LANKA
Twenty20 International series
Thu Oct 26, 1st T20I, Abu Dhabi
Fri Oct 27, 2nd T20I, Abu Dhabi
Sun Oct 29, 3rd T20I, Lahore
Tickets are available at www.q-tickets.com
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THE DEALS
Hamilton $60m x 2 = $120m
Vettel $45m x 2 = $90m
Ricciardo $35m x 2 = $70m
Verstappen $55m x 3 = $165m
Leclerc $20m x 2 = $40m
TOTAL $485m
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MATCH INFO
Northern Warriors 92-1 (10 ovs)
Russell 37 no, Billings 35 no
Team Abu Dhabi 93-4 (8.3 ovs)
Wright 48, Moeen 30, Green 2-22
Team Abu Dhabi win by six wickets
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1. Featherweight 66kg: Ben Lucas (AUS) v Ibrahim Kendil (EGY)
2. Lightweight 70kg: Mohammed Kareem Aljnan (SYR) v Alphonse Besala (CMR)
3. Welterweight 77kg:Marcos Costa (BRA) v Abdelhakim Wahid (MAR)
4. Lightweight 70kg: Omar Ramadan (EGY) v Abdimitalipov Atabek (KGZ)
5. Featherweight 66kg: Ahmed Al Darmaki (UAE) v Kagimu Kigga (UGA)
6. Catchweight 85kg: Ibrahim El Sawi (EGY) v Iuri Fraga (BRA)
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8. Catchweight 73kg: Mostafa Radi (PAL) v Ahmed Abdelraouf of Egypt (EGY)
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Date started: 2018
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Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: TravelTech
Funding stage: Pre-series A
Investors: Convivialite Ventures, BY Partners, Shorooq Partners, L& Ventures, Flat6Labs
Brief scores:
Toss: Nepal, chose to field
UAE 153-6: Shaiman (59), Usman (30); Regmi 2-23
Nepal 132-7: Jora 53 not out; Zahoor 2-17
Result: UAE won by 21 runs
Series: UAE lead 1-0
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Our family matters legal consultant
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At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
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NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
