Oman’s satellite scheduled confirmed
November 17, 2020
By Chris Forrester
Oman in the Arabian Gulf wants to see a private-financed satellite launched by 2024. Oman, unlike its near neighbours the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, does not have its own satellite but does have a space agency, the Oman Space Communications Technology (SCT). The agency invited bids earlier this year for a suitable solution.
SpaceBridge, a privately held Canadian corporation and manufacturer of High Throughput Satellite (HTS)/VHTS Broadband VSAT Satellite Network Platforms, Terminals and network solutions, announced on June 30th that it has been selected by SCT to supply an HTS Multiple Spot Beam (MSB) Broadband VSAT Network to Oman.
Dr Said Hamoud Al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, speaking ahead of the country’s 50th National Day, said Oman’s plans to go to space actually began in 2006.
“We have to address the role of the private sector to this effect, and establish a company to launch the first satellite in 2024,” he said. “There are practical advantage for our national space programme, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence.”
The minister said the Sultanate’s space programme is a key indicator for his ministry, and will be announced in 2021.
The network to be supplied incorporates SpaceBridge’s unique ASAT System including its turnkey WaveSwitch, Point-to-MultiPoint Satellite Broadband Platform technology.
“We are very pleased to have been chosen by SCT for this vital network. SpaceBridge’s technology offers unique and innovative advanced performance in the market by implementing the latest industry standards allowing our customers to provide a quality telecommunication solution in a cost-effective manner,” said David Gelerman, President/CEO of SpaceBridge.
“By introducing the latest Satellite Technologies to the Omani market; SCT is aiming to provide “All in One” platform which supports several verticals and satisfy the needs to the end user levels. In addition to introduce a cost-effective managed solutions among the Sultanate of Oman. SpaceBridge was the choice to serve the low-end user application all the way to the Mobile Backhauling and IP-Trunking”. said Mr. Mohammad Abu Hmaidan – General Manager Commercial of SCT