Muscat – The Sultanate of Oman has just lifted the veil on an audacious endeavour named ‘Spazers’, the first-ever spaceport in the Middle East. Set to become fully operational by 2030, this cutting-edge facility is poised to reshape the region’s space exploration landscape. Nestled strategically in the coastal city of Duqm, Spazers is envisioned as a state-of-the-art hub catering to space launchers of all sizes.

ETCO Space, the trailblazing force behind Oman’s burgeoning space endeavours, is leading this latest venture. Boasting a comprehensive approach, Spazers will construct and operate cutting-edge ground stations in Oman and across the Middle East.

The collaborative brainchild of ETCO Space, Polish satellite manufacturer SatRev, and Polish tech company Tuatara, Spazers emerges on the heels of ETCO Space’s triumphant launch of Oman’s first satellite, “Aman-1,” aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket last November.

Despite a setback in January 2023, the successful mission is a testament to Oman’s growing prowess in space.
According to a press statement released on Monday by ETCO Space, Aman-1’s data will prove instrumental across various sectors, including oil and gas, urban planning, and environmental monitoring.

Oman’s strategic push towards the space industry aligns with its broader digital economy enhancement plan, as highlighted by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology’s unveiling of the national executive space program last year.

Industry experts foresee the Middle East emerging as a global epicentre for space activities, with the space market projected to burgeon into a $57 billion industry by 2030.