US technology firm Kratos Defence & Security Solutions has been chosen by Airbus Defence and Space to provide ground system support for OmanSat-1, Oman’s first national communications satellite, according to a report by Oman Daily Observer. The spacecraft is scheduled for launch in September 2028, with operational services expected to begin in May 2029.
The development follows Airbus’ contract award last year from Space Communication Technologies to design, manufacture and launch OmanSat-1 using Airbus’ OneSat software-defined architecture. Kratos will now deliver a multimillion-dollar integrated ground system engineered to unlock the full capabilities of the flexible satellite platform.
Airbus said the ground segment will operate seamlessly with the spacecraft, enabling SCT to deliver high-throughput connectivity with strong operational adaptability. The system is designed to support services across Oman and the wider region, with scalability aimed at future expansion into East African and East Asian markets.
Kratos’ responsibilities include configuring and supervising satellite operations, optimising payload deployment through Airbus-integrated elements, and monitoring performance across the full space-to-ground chain. The rollout will incorporate Ka-band telemetry, tracking and command antennas alongside monitoring, control and carrier-management software, as well as mission command, flight dynamics and orchestration tools.
The company also plans to establish a local office in Oman to oversee site assessments, installation and commissioning of equipment, operator training and ongoing delivery support, reinforcing long-term operational readiness.
SCT — wholly owned by Oman’s government investment arm Oman Investment Authority through ITHCA — will act as the national operator of OmanSat-1 once the satellite enters service. The organisation leads Oman’s National Satellite Programme, focused on building communications infrastructure for both public and private sectors.
OmanSat-1 is designed as a fully digital, in-orbit reconfigurable satellite delivering high Ka-band capacity over Oman and its economic waters, as well as across the Middle East, East Africa and parts of Asia. Its flexible architecture will allow SCT to tailor services for government networks, oil and gas operations, banking, broadband connectivity, maritime services and aviation, positioning the operator to expand its footprint in high-throughput satellite markets.
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