NASCOM, Karman Line plan Space Coast Oman around Etlaq Spaceport

NASCOM and Karman Line have signed an MOU to create Space Coast Oman, a proposed joint venture to build the industrial, logistics and housing ecosystem around Etlaq Spaceport in Duqm, Oman. The companies aim to sign definitive agreements by Dec. 31, 2026, as Oman pushes to turn Etlaq into a broader aerospace hub tied to its Vision 2040 goals.

Why it matters: - Space Coast Oman is meant to turn Etlaq Spaceport into a full aerospace corridor, not just a launch site. - The project could add the facilities, workforce housing and services needed to support a long-term space economy in Duqm. - The effort aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and is designed to attract investment and skilled jobs for Omanis.

What happened: - NASCOM and Karman Line signed a memorandum of understanding to form Space Coast Oman. - The proposed joint venture will support development around Etlaq Spaceport in Duqm, Oman. - The companies expect to sign definitive agreements by Dec. 31, 2026. - Etlaq Spaceport remains separately owned and operated.

The details: - Space Coast Oman is planned to support satellite integration and testing facilities, industrial and logistics infrastructure, reliable power and data connectivity, research and training facilities, hospitality and workforce housing. - NASCOM will contribute local leadership, land-development interests and relationships with Omani stakeholders. - Karman Line will lead master planning, development, capital formation and U.S. commercial engagement. - Bouzganda, Karman Line’s local strategic and investment partner, and U.S.-based Vanquish Venture Partners will support the initiative. - Omantel said it is a strategic investor and primary telecommunications and infrastructure partner to Etlaq Spaceport since 2024, and that it will provide network and digital capabilities for Space Coast Oman. - NASCOM said the project will help connect launch operations with infrastructure, partnerships and local capabilities needed for a long-term aerospace industry in Oman. - Karman Line said the joint venture will finance and build long-lived assets at Duqm so space companies can focus on launch hardware. - More information is available at Etlaq, Karman Line and SpacePort Fund.

Between the lines: - The deal reflects a broader strategy to build the commercial layer around a spaceport, including housing, logistics and industrial space. - That model shifts some of the cost and complexity of real estate and infrastructure away from space companies and onto a dedicated development structure. - Etlaq’s location on Oman’s Arabian Sea coast gives it access to open-ocean launch corridors, which can support multiple orbital inclinations subject to mission and regulatory requirements. - Etlaq is advancing agreements with multiple international launch providers and is targeting orbital launch capability by 2028. - NASCOM said Etlaq has already supported suborbital launch activity, beginning with Duqm-1 in December 2024.

What’s next: - The companies will work toward definitive agreements by the end of 2026. - Etlaq will continue pursuing launch-provider agreements as it targets orbital launch capability in 2028. - Space Coast Oman is expected to develop as demand grows for launch support, industrial space and workforce housing around Duqm.

The bottom line: - NASCOM and Karman Line are betting that the next phase of Oman’s space industry will be built on infrastructure, not just rockets.