TRA grants licence for ground satellite station

Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has granted a Class 3 licence to ETCO Space, enabling the establishment of a ground station that will facilitate monitoring, tracking and command operations for the company's satellite network.

ETCO Space, an Omani enterprise specialising in aerospace and artificial intelligence technologies, aims to harness this ground station for space imaging. The project will allow collection and analysis of satellite imagery data, serving critical applications such as mapping, environmental surveillance, resource management and disaster response.

In an official statement, TRA outlined the station's mission to utilise satellite imagery in various fields, including agriculture, alongside its primary functions. The authority highlighted the licence's role in fostering investments in novel technologies and services, as well as in the localisation of tech expertise.

TRA issued the first Class 3 licence for a similar purpose in January to Oman Lens Company, aimed at establishing a ground station for monitoring and control of satellites, specifically those operated by Star.vision Aerospace Limited, a Chinese firm.

ETCO Space's pioneering contributions include the launch of Oman's inaugural satellite into low Earth orbit via Spacex's Falcon 9 rocket in November 2023.

In January, ETCO Space embarked on a joint venture with Polish firms Satrev and Tuatara, resulting in the formation of Spazers. This new Omani-polish company is poised to offer a range of services, including satellite manufacturing, space launch facilitation, and development and management of ground stations in Oman and the broader Middle East region.

ETCO Space expressed enthusiasm about this development, stating, ‘ This significant step propels us into a future of innovation and collaboration in the realm of space exploration, integrated satellite services, attracting talent and fostering cutting-edge research.’