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Merge 104.8 | 02 November 2026
Oman Lens and China’s Star Vision Aerospace have signed two cooperation agreements in Beijing to develop satellite capabilities, establish a satellite Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) centre in Oman, and strengthen national expertise in space sciences, advanced technologies and artificial intelligence (AI).
Signed during the official visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik – may Allah protect and preserve him – to China, the agreements mark a significant step in strengthening Oman-China cooperation in the space sector, supporting technology transfer, localising advanced technologies and advancing the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
The first agreement establishes a five-year programme to sponsor 30 Omanis for master’s and doctoral studies in China, train 1,000 specialists in space sciences and advanced technologies, and establish a joint Space AI Laboratory. The initiative aims to build national expertise, strengthen research capabilities and bridge academic education with industry requirements.
The second agreement, under the Space Silk Road programme, covers satellite development, launch and operation in two phases. The first phase includes seven satellites, while a second constellation will be considered based on the outcomes of the initial phase.
It also provides for the establishment of an AIT centre in Oman to strengthen local technical infrastructure, facilitate knowledge transfer and train Omani professionals in satellite engineering and operations. The partnership will also support the gradual development of local manufacturing capabilities.
The agreements are expected to expand the use of satellite data and AI across key sectors, including Earth observation, maritime surveillance, natural resource management, environmental monitoring and urban planning, supporting more effective decision-making and operational efficiency.
Together, the initiatives aim to advance an integrated national space ecosystem through infrastructure development, research and development, technology localisation and investment in Omani talent, contributing to economic diversification and Oman Vision 2040.
Established in 2023 as a joint venture between Mars Development and Investment Company and Star Vision, Oman Lens specialises in satellite data analytics and AI-powered solutions for Earth observation and geospatial data analysis.
The company owns the OL-1 satellite, launched in November 2024 in cooperation with Star Vision. Designed for remote sensing and Earth observation, the satellite is equipped with AI capabilities.
Through its expanding activities, Oman Lens aims to strengthen the application of satellite data across economic and development sectors while building national capabilities in space technologies.
