Astranis and MB Group Forge $200M Partnership for Oman's Sovereign Satellite Network
January 30, 2026
The race for sovereign space-based infrastructure is intensifying, particularly among nations seeking to secure their digital futures and reduce reliance on foreign connectivity providers. This strategic shift is now evident in the Middle East, where Oman is making a significant move to establish independent control over its critical communications backbone. San Francisco-based satellite developer Astranis Space Technologies has announced a strategic partnership with Omani conglomerate MB Group to build and deliver a dedicated micro-geostationary (MicroGEO) satellite for the Sultanate. The agreement, valued at approximately $200 million, encompasses the satellite itself, associated ground stations, and supporting infrastructure, forming a comprehensive sovereign network. This investment is a key component of MB Group's support for Oman's long-term national development blueprint, Vision 2040. The satellite is slated to launch as part of Astranis's Block 3 mission later this year and is expected to enter commercial service by early 2027. Upon deployment, it will provide Oman with resilient, high-performance connectivity designed to serve government, enterprise, and public needs. Usama Al Barwani, vice chairperson of MB LLC, emphasized the project's alignment with national goals, stating, "This strategic collaboration supports Oman Vision 2040 to deliver resilient, high-performance infrastructure necessary for a digital-first country, empowering our government, our enterprises, and our people." The deal underscores the growing demand for sovereign space assets. Astranis, a leader in compact, high-throughput GEO satellites, now holds a backlog exceeding $1 billion for more than a dozen MicroGEO satellites scheduled for launch over the next two years. John Gedmark, co-founder and CEO of Astranis, highlighted the broader regional trend at the project signing ceremony, noting that the expansion of sovereign access is "starting in Oman." He described the agreement as establishing a "digital backbone" to power the nation's economy and ensure resilient control over critical systems like energy and transportation. For Oman, the project represents a major step in its ambitious space sector strategy, which includes the development of the Etlaq Spaceport. The nation's unique geography, featuring a long western coastline, offers a natural advantage for satellite launches, akin to established global hubs. This sovereign satellite network positions Oman to not only enhance its domestic digital resilience but also to potentially play a more influential role in the regional space and connectivity landscape. Source: datacenterdynamics
