German small launch provider HyImpulse has signed a letter of intent with Etlaq Spaceport, Oman’s commercial spaceport, to explore potential launch-related activities in the Sultanate. The agreement marks a step toward expanding launch infrastructure in the Middle East, a region increasingly courting commercial space ventures.
The LOI covers feasibility studies for launch operations and the possibility of establishing an operational presence at Etlaq. HyImpulse, known for developing hybrid propulsion rockets using paraffin and liquid oxygen, aims to leverage Oman’s equatorial proximity for efficient orbital insertions.
No timeline or financial commitments were disclosed. The pact follows broader trends of Gulf states investing in spaceports, with Oman positioning itself as a competitive hub for small satellite launches.
For HyImpulse, the move could diversify its launch options beyond its planned German and Australian sites. The company targets its first orbital test flight in 2025 with the SL1 rocket, capable of lifting 600 kilograms to low Earth orbit.
Critics argue that small launch demand may not justify multiple new spaceports, and regulatory frameworks in Oman remain nascent. The agreement remains non-binding, with concrete milestones pending further studies.