The Middle East continues its growth in the global space industry, with the Oman Civil Aviation Authority releasing a new framework through which commercial space launch activities will be approved.
Etlaq Spaceport has certainly welcomed this announcement and is well positioned to provide launch services, as Oman takes a position as a regional leader in the increasing space economy in the Middle East.
Oman’s recently issued Civil Aviation Directive (CAD 5-01) establishes the process for coordinating spaceflight activities within Oman’s airspace. Under the directive, companies seeking launch approval must submit an evidence-based safety case to the CAA in order to reserve launch windows in the Muscat Flight Information Region (FIR). Applications aim to be processed in as little as 45 days, obviously one of the fastest approval cycles in the world, and they state Oman will maintain rigorous aviation, maritime and ground safety requirements.
The spaceport will coordinate directly with the Ministry of Transportation, Communication, and Information Technology (MTCIT), CAA, and the National Space Program, to facilitate timely launch authorizations. Of note is that Oman will not place any limit on the number of launches per year and that applies to Etlaq as well as launch service providers.
As a player within Oman’s 2023 to 2033 National Space Program, Etlaq already has a commitment for services, that being PLD Space and that firm’s MIURA 5 spacecraft.
H.H. Azzan Kais Al Said, the CEO of Etlaq Spaceport, said, “This announcement is a landmark moment for the Sultanate of Oman and for the global space community. By formalizing 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. We are proud to stand at the center of this transformation and to welcome partners from around the world to join us on this journey.”
