Satellite Networks

Oman and Iraq announce ground station developments

Oman and Iraq announce ground station developments

Continuing efforts by countries across the Middle East to develop domestic space ecosystems encompassing satellite infrastructure have been underlined by recent announcements from Oman and Iraq relating to ground stations.

Durri Space and Cailabs have signed a contract for the deployment of three optical ground stations across Oman, targeted to be operational by 2028. The network will be owned by Durri Space and powered by Cailabs technology.

Durri Space is an Omani space communications company and part of Enjaaz Group, a company delivering satellite-powered insights to governments and enterprises across the Gulf and beyond. Cailabs says it builds ground systems that make laser communications deployable.

The project is described as a significant step in Durri Space’s ambition to develop a long-term optical communications capability in the Sultanate. The network will support Oman’s national space ambitions, while opening the infrastructure to international satellite operators with growing data downlink requirements.

Durri Space selected Cailabs to provide the optical ground station technology for the network. Cailabs’ TILBA-OGS L10 has already been deployed internationally and used to establish bidirectional space-to-ground optical links.

The system combines proprietary atmospheric turbulence mitigation with automated operation. Built on a common technical platform, the three stations will form a distributed optical network across Oman. The TILBA-OGS L10 supports high-capacity communications with low-Earth-orbit satellites and interoperability with optical terminals using widely adopted Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) and US Space Development Agency standards.

Beyond deploying the initial infrastructure, Durri Space and Cailabs intend to support the development of Omani talent and local expertise in optical communications. Together, they say, the three stations will give Oman the infrastructure to receive high-capacity satellite data, serve international operators, and strengthen its position in the emerging optical communications ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Iraq has launched a national satellite ground station designed to provide secure communications for government agencies, aviation services and remote areas, while allowing more data to be routed and stored inside the country rather than through infrastructure abroad.

The station is the first satellite teleport ground station established in Iraq since 2003. The facility is operated entirely by Ministry of Communications personnel and will support a range of civilian and security applications.

These will include satellite internet, television broadcasting, communications for security and military agencies, air-navigation services and VSAT-based connectivity for provinces and remote areas where terrestrial infrastructure may be limited.

The station has also been connected to the ministry's fibre optic network, allowing satellite and terrestrial communications to operate as an integrated system.

According to the Kurdistan24 news service, primary and backup fibre routes have been established, allowing alternative connections if the main route is interrupted.



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