HyImpulse signs letter of intent with Omans spaceport
MILAN - Etlaq Spaceport, Oman's commercial spaceport, and German-based small launch provider HyImpulse have signed a letter of intent to explore future launch-related activities and a potential operational presence in the Sultanate of Oman.
The parties will determine the potential for HyImpulse to conduct launch operations from Etlaq Spaceport, beginning with short-term mission-related activities. This may include mission planning, operational and technical assessments, range and safety evaluations and coordination on requirements for future launch campaigns.
"This marks an important step in expanding our international launch footprint from Europe into the Middle East" Christian Schmierer, co-founder and CEO of HyImpulse, said in a press release. "Exploring launch operations in Oman allows us to assess both near-term mission opportunities and the potential for a longer-term presence in Oman."
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Collaborations between launcher operators and spaceports can take different forms, from simply using the infrastructure - similar to how Isar Aerospace works with Andøya Spaceport - to building an integrated, launcher-specific spaceport within a host facility, as PLD Space is doing in Kourou. "As our cooperation develops, we will assess what level of operational presence and infrastructure is appropriate based on mission requirements and customer needs," Schmierer told SpaceNews via email.
The agreement covers both HyImpulse's suborbital launcher SR75, which conducted its maiden test flight from the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia in May 2024, and its orbital rocket SL1, which is planned to fly in 2027.
"Oman offers an attractive geographic location with access to a broad range of trajectories and mission profiles, making it a compelling option for assessing future launch opportunities," Schmierer told SpaceNewsl.
In March 2026, HyImpulse signed an agreement with SaxaVord related to suborbital testing of the SR75. The Oman agreement reflects "HyImpulse's broader objective of developing a flexible international launch network," Schmierer commented, adding "SaxaVord remains an important partner for our activities in Europe, while the agreement with Etlaq allows us to explore opportunities in a region that offers unique geographic advantages and growing demand for space services."
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