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Merge 104.8 | 10 January 2023
The Sultanate’s first satellite failed to launch into space, after the Virgin LauncherOne rocket that was carrying it suffered a technical glicth that prevented it from reaching orbit.
The rocket was carried under the wing of a modified Boeing 747, called “Cosmic Girl”, and it had left from the town of Newquay in England, and then later released over the Atlantic Ocean. It failed to reach its orbit however, due to an anomaly.
The rocket was carrying several satellites, including Oman’s Aman satellite, which is the country’s first-ever space mission. It was being sent to Low Space Orbit, to collect data and imagery for the main purpose of research.
Despite this failed launch however, the Sultanate still intends to launch its first official satellite in 2025, and it announced plans to begin building its own space station in Duqm before the end of this year. The construction is expected to be completed in three years, but an official said that the first public rocket launch can take place one year from now.
This was announced by the Minister of Transport, Communications and information Technology, Said bin Hamoud al Maawali.
