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Oman to launch satellites into orbit by 2019

The Sultanate of Oman is reportedly planning to send its first satellite into orbit in 2019 to help detect pollution.
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The Sultanate of Oman has confirmed plans to launch two medium-sized satellites by the end of 2019, according to Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Salim al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications.

His Excellency confirmed an announcement made earlier this year that the Sultanate was planning on developing a cubesat.

The Oman Astronomical Society (OAS), which has been heading the project will supervise the project, in partnership with prominent academic figures and several government ministries-  transport, communication, telecommunications and armed forces.

President of OAS Dr. Saleh bin Said Al Sheithani noted that one of the two satellites is a cubesat, which is designed to help detect light pollution, which refers to the brightening of the night sky caused by street lights and other man-made sources.