Oman launches satcoms manufacturing programme

Details: Vaughan O'Grady; Category: Satellite Networks; 28 January 2026; 1521 views

Oman has launched a national programme to develop and assemble a CubeSat satellite, marking what is described as a step towards building domestic capabilities in satellite manufacturing and space technologies.

A CubeSat is usually described as a class of miniaturised, modular satellites based on a standardised 10x10x10 cm (1U) unit, typically weighing 1.3–16 kg.

The programme aims to develop a satellite enhanced with AI, while training a select group of Omani students, academics and engineers in Earth observation and remote sensing.

According to the Muscat Daily news resource, participants will be involved in all stages of satellite development, from design and assembly to testing and operation. The satellite will be designed to capture satellite imagery, process data and transmit it to a ground station. The data will support applications related to planning, environmental monitoring and sustainable development.

Oman Lens, a homegrown satellite and AI company based in Oman, dedicating itself to the development of cutting-edge technologies, is helping to facilitate the project, which seeks to strengthen national capabilities in satellite manufacturing by drawing on Omani expertise across the company’s development and operational projects.

The Muscat Daily says the programme will start with hands-on training through the assembly of the satellite’s engineering model in Oman. This phase will involve students and academics from Sultan Qaboos University, German University of Technology in Oman, Military Technical College and University of Technology and Applied Sciences.

The second phase will see a select group of participants undertake advanced training with experts from STAR.VISION, Oman Lens’ technology partner, at the company’s headquarters in China. The training will focus on assembling the final satellite model in an industrial environment, preparing it for launch, operational testing and entry into service.

The initiative is said to be part of broader efforts to build a sustainable technological and knowledge base in the space sector, expand cooperation and transfer expertise to Omani talent.