Oman Signs Agreement with Airbus to Build Country’s First Communications Satellite

Oman has signed a cooperation agreement with Airbus Defence and Space to design, manufacture and launch OmanSat-1, the nation’s first communications satellite. The Ka-band satellite will be built on Airbus’s fully reconfigurable OneSat platform, providing high-capacity coverage across Oman, the Middle East, East Africa, and Asia.

Under the agreement, satellite operations will be led by Space Communication Technologies (SCT), a company owned by the Oman Investment Authority, which will act as the national operator and oversee all project phases. A dedicated Project Management Office within SCT will coordinate with Airbus to manage design, manufacturing, testing, and preparations for in-country satellite operations.

OmanSat-1 is a flagship element of the country’s National Space Strategy (2023–2033) and supports Oman Vision 2040 goals. The programme aims to strengthen digital sovereignty, enhance national cybersecurity, extend secure telecom and broadband services to rural areas, and ensure resilient communications for government and industry.

Airbus executives highlighted the strategic significance of delivering a fully flexible GEO communications satellite tailored to Oman’s long-term requirements. Omani officials described the initiative as a transformational milestone and a cornerstone for developing a sovereign, high-growth space economy that positions Oman as a regional hub for advanced space services.

SOURCE: https://omannews.gov.om/topics/en/79/show/125645/dark