Etlaq Spaceport in Duqm, Sultanate of Oman, successfully conducted a test launch of the Azad Dreamer rocket as part of a space mission named Karman X1.

The rocket, measuring 4.3 metres in length and weighing 26 kilograms, lifted off from the spaceport on a stable upward trajectory, transmitting precise flight data to the launch control centre. It continued its ascent until reaching the target altitude within the designated test range. The mission was not intended to reach space but focused on testing the launch process, the rocket’s in-flight performance, and the technologies and systems used.

Karman X1 marks the second successful launch from Etlaq Spaceport in Duqm, following the first launch in December 2024.

The Etlaq Spaceport team in Oman prepared the launch site, supported the integration of the rocket components, and managed safety within the launch area. The Karman X1 mission forms part of the Takween programme, established by Etlaq Spaceport in 2024 to facilitate suborbital and experimental rocket launches, with a focus on speed, efficiency, cost and adaptability to challenges.

The new mission further develops the experience of Omani teams in launch operations and international partnerships, while supporting the development of commercial launch capabilities from Oman.

H.H. Sayyid Azzan bin Qais al Said, Chief Executive Officer of Etlaq Spaceport, said Karman X1 is the first mission at the spaceport to bring together an Omani launch operator, Stellar Kinetics MCT, which is based in Oman, and Singaporean company OculloSpace. The rocket’s payload was provided by Australian company Orbit2Orbit. He said the collaboration reflects Etlaq Spaceport’s growth, the expanding diversity of its partnerships and its ability to attract new space launch missions from countries around the world.

The Etlaq CEO added that the launch marks an important milestone for Etlaq Spaceport, demonstrating Oman’s ability to connect partners from around the world. Each mission helps build operational expertise, and the lessons learned from this flight will contribute to improving the next mission. He said: “I am particularly proud of the team that worked side by side with our partners at every stage.”

Etlaq Spaceport is one of the strategic projects supported and sponsored by the National Space Programme at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology under the space sector infrastructure pillar. The project aims to attract investment and facilitate the transfer and localisation of technologies.