15.07.2025

Duqm – Duqm-2 space mission concluded on Sunday without launching the Kea-1 spacecraft after a technical issue with onboard actuators halted final preparations at the Etlaq Spaceport in Duqm.

The mission, part of a series of experimental spaceflight efforts from Duqm, had planned to launch a two-stage guided suborbital experimental vehicle. While the launch did not proceed, mission leaders confirmed collection of critical data and successful execution of several pre-launch operations.

The mission supported training in cryogenic fluid handling, launch pad operations, power system setup and spacecraft assembly. Developed by New Zealand’s Stellar Kinetics, Kea-1 was equipped with two tethered payloads from research partners in the UK and Taiwan intended for scientific and microgravity experiments.

H H Sayyid Azzan bin Qais al Said, Founder and CEO of National Aerospace Services Company (NASCOM) and Etlaq Spaceport, stated that the mission achieved its core objectives, including regulatory coordination, mission planning, ground system design and facility readiness. “This outcome reflects the precision required in space operations. The decision to delay the launch underscores commitment to safety.”

He noted that the spaceport is steadily positioning itself as a regional launch hub, adding that knowledge gained from the Duqm-2 preparations would support the future development of both the spaceport and Stellar Kinetics’ launch systems.

A Stellar Kinetics spokesperson confirmed that while the actuator issue delayed the Kea-1 launch, the team was able to meet most of the mission’s intended milestones.

Further launches remain on schedule as Stellar Kinetics and Etlaq continue development of a sustainable, experimental launch ecosystem.

Quelle: Oman News