Oman’s Satellite Launch Pledge Secures Orbital Slot: What This Means for Business and Investment Opportunities in Oman
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman has successfully secured regulatory control over a strategic geostationary orbital slot at 73.5° East by committing to launch a temporary satellite by December 2025 and signing a contract for a Ka-band high-throughput satellite (HTS) by the end of this year. The full-scale satellite, designed to provide advanced broadband services, is planned for launch in 2028.
This extension, approved by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), marks a significant advance for Oman, which has faced multiple delays in its national satellite communications program. The 73.5° East orbital position is highly valuable, covering extensive areas across the Middle East, South Asia, and Central Asia—regions with increasing demand for satellite broadband, broadcasting, and data services.
Oman’s satellite ambitions date back to at least 2018, centered on the Omansat-1 telecommunications project. However, procurement delays and missed regulatory deadlines put the country at risk of losing its claim to this orbital slot under the ITU’s “use-it-or-lose-it” policy. In October 2024, Oman issued a public tender for a temporary satellite to maintain the slot while progressing toward a permanent solution.
According to Space Intel Report, the ITU’s Radio Regulations Board reviewed Oman’s case and approved the country’s roadmap, setting a December 31, 2025 deadline for launching the interim satellite. Oman also committed to contracting the full Ka-band HTS satellite by the end of 2025, with a subsequent launch planned for 2028. Despite earlier setbacks, Oman retained the slot through timely regulatory adherence and credible strategic planning.
This advancement follows Oman’s recent space achievements, including the successful November 2024 launch of OL-1, its first AI-powered Earth observation satellite, into low-Earth orbit. Developed by Oman Lens in collaboration with Star Vision Aerospace and Mars Development & Investment Company, OL-1 offers real-time, high-resolution imaging to support land use, infrastructure monitoring, and environmental efforts.
To bolster its space ambitions, Oman issued Royal Decree 40/2025, granting OmanSat a Category I license to develop and operate national satellite communication services. This authorization enables OmanSat to provide fixed satellite broadband to underserved areas, supporting the nation’s digital transformation objectives.
Oman aims to meet the immediate target of launching the temporary satellite by the end of 2025 to comply with ITU regulations and retain the orbital slot. Simultaneously, the country plans to finalize the contract for the Ka-band high-throughput satellite this year, with a launch scheduled for 2028. These steps are designed to reinforce Oman’s position in the regional space and communications sector and align with its strategic focus on space as a key element of economic diversification and national development under Oman Vision 2040.
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Oman’s retention of the strategic 73.5° East geostationary orbital slot and commitment to launch advanced Ka-band satellites signals a pivotal leap in regional satellite communications and digital infrastructure. For businesses, this opens opportunities in satellite broadband, data services, and tech-driven connectivity across the Middle East and Asia, while investors should monitor growth potential in Oman’s space sector alongside regulatory advancements under Oman Vision 2040. Smart entrepreneurs would benefit from aligning with national digital transformation initiatives, leveraging satellite technology to bridge connectivity gaps in underserved areas.
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