Oman’s First Rocket Test Launch: Focus on Autonomous Launch and Landing Systems

On Thursday, April 24, 2025, the Sultanate of Oman will conduct its first experimental rocket launch under the “Al-Wahda-1” mission from the Etlaq Spaceport located in the Duqm Special Economic Zone — the first commercial space launch facility of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa.

The launch will feature the Horus-4 rocket, developed by the UK-based Advanced Rocket Technologies, which will reach an altitude of approximately 76 meters and utilize fully autonomous vertical launch and landing systems — marking a significant leap in regional space technology.

This initiative is part of Oman’s national Genesis program, which began in 2024 and runs through 2027, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 to support a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy.

Etlaq Spaceport is scheduled to host five additional test launches in 2025, in partnership with companies from New Zealand, Kuwait, Spain, and others. Agreements have also been signed with PLD Space and SatMENA for future commercial and scientific missions.

This project affirms Oman’s technical and logistical readiness and positions the Sultanate as an emerging regional hub for advanced space technologies.