China's Star Vision to Build 20-Satellite Space Computing Constellation for Oman

Star Vision said in its announcement that the Sultan witnessed the signing of two cooperation agreements. They cover satellite development and operations, local satellite infrastructure, specialist training and joint research. The company described the visit as the first by an Omani head of state since the two countries established diplomatic relations 48 years ago. It did not disclose the value of the contract or a launch schedule.

The satellites are built to process imagery and other data in orbit with on-board AI, instead of sending raw data to the ground for analysis. That cuts the amount of data that has to be downlinked and shortens the time from capture to result. AnewZ reported that the satellites will also be able to share computing tasks with each other, and that the order is the first overseas extension of Star Vision's programme to put more than 1,000 computing satellites into orbit. Coverage of the deal has called it China's largest commercial satellite export order. No contract value has been published to support that claim.

What Stays in Oman

Much of the package is about building skills inside Oman rather than just delivering hardware. Star Vision said the partners will set up a satellite assembly, integration and testing centre in Oman to develop local engineering capacity, and a joint space AI laboratory for research. Under what the company calls its Space Leadership Program, 1,000 Omani specialists will be trained. Thirty Omanis will receive scholarships for master's and doctoral degrees in China.

The two companies have worked together before. Star Vision says that in December 2024 it worked with Oman Lens and Bahrain's National Space Science Agency to produce AI-based satellite analysis of Bahrain covering 2005 to 2024, presented for Bahrain's National Day.

The deal is part of what Star Vision calls its Space Silk Road Program. It gives Beijing a commercial foothold in Gulf space infrastructure at a time when Gulf governments are spending heavily on AI computing and Washington is pressing allies on which suppliers they use for sensitive technology. China has been testing in-orbit computing at home, and AnewZ noted that 12 AI-equipped satellites launched in May 2025 were billed as the first batch of a space-based computing network.

The companies have not said when the first of the 20 satellites will launch, where they will be built, or what the constellation will be used for once it is in orbit.