A view from the space shuttle Columbia looking northwest over the Gulf of Oman, bottom, the Strait of Hormuz, centre, and the Arabian Sea. Corbis
A view from the space shuttle Columbia looking northwest over the Gulf of Oman, bottom, the Strait of Hormuz, centre, and the Arabian Sea. Corbis
A view from the space shuttle Columbia looking northwest over the Gulf of Oman, bottom, the Strait of Hormuz, centre, and the Arabian Sea. Corbis
A view from the space shuttle Columbia looking northwest over the Gulf of Oman, bottom, the Strait of Hormuz, centre, and the Arabian Sea. Corbis

Oman seals partnership to launch satellite into orbit next year


Saleh Al Shaibany
  • English
  • Arabic

Oman plans to launch its first satellite into the Earth’s lower orbit next year, in collaboration with a Polish company.

A spokesman for the project said on Sunday two Omani companies, Etco and Tuatara, have entered into a partnership with Poland’s SatRevolution.

“By co-operating with SatRevolution, a satellite manufacturer and space service company considered to be one of the top providers of satellite imaging services in the world, we have secured a valuable partner with great access to the latest space technology and image analysis which will support the national digitalisation strategy,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, director at Etco.

He said the satellite images could be used to monitor agriculture, renewable energy, oil, mining, weather forecasting, border monitoring and national security, according to Oman News Agency.

Krzysztof Goworek, chief innovation officer at Tuatara said Oman’s new space programme would involve students, to inspire them about the potential of the new technology.

“The launch of Oman’s first satellite will provide opportunities for talented engineering students, university researchers and the founders of new companies, to acquire knowledge, gain hands-on experience and a comparative advantage to accelerate the space industry in the country,” Mr Goworek said.

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Results:

6.30pm: Handicap (Turf) | US$175,000 2,410m | Winner: Bin Battuta, Christophe Soumillon (jockey), Saeed bin Suroor (trainer)

7.05pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial Conditions (Dirt) | $100,000 1,400m | Winner: Al Hayette, Fabrice Veron, Ismail Mohammed

7.40pm: Handicap (T) $145,000 1,000m | Winner: Faatinah, Jim Crowley, David Hayes

8.15pm: Dubawi Stakes Group 3 (D) $200,000 1,200m | Winner: Raven’s Corner, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar

8.50pm: Singspiel Stakes Group 3 (T) $200,000 1,800m | Winner: Dream Castle, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor

9.25pm: Handicap (T) $175,000 1,400m​​​ | Winner: Another Batt, Connor Beasley, George Scott

Updated: November 01, 2021, 12:30 PM`