Ethiopia has portrayed an incredible economic growth which was witnessed by the World Bank, IMF and other regional and international organizations over the last two decades. It has effected dramatic changes in agriculture, manufacturing, banking and construction sectors. As part of its growing economy, the nation has finalized preparations to launch its first satellite.
What would be the contribution of the satellite? What should be done to further enhance Ethiopian space science? According to the Ethiopian Space Science and Technology Institute (ESSTI), Ethiopia has completed every necessary precondition to launch its first earth observation satellite this month.
The Ethiopian Space Science and Technology Institute (ESSTI) has announced that it would launch its first Earth Observation satellite known as ETRSS-1. The satellite will be expected to save more than 350 million Birr being paid for satellite rent, says Solomon Belay (PhD), Senior Scientist and Director General of Ethiopian Space Science and Technology Institute.
Ethiopia has been using information being gathered by countries which own the space technology for decades. As a result, it has been spending time and money. However, the new satellite will save all these expenses and alleviate challenges. It will play pivotal role in sustaining the economic growth, Solomon adds.
‘‘The 72 kg multi-spectral remote sensing satellite will be launched 400 km from Beijing. It would have momentous contribution in gathering valuable information in environmental protection, energy, mining, water, agriculture and weather prognosis,’’ he states.
As more than 20 Ethiopian engineers have been involved in designing the satellite, it would be highly important for knowledge, skill and technology sharing and added advancement of the Ethiopian space science and technology.
‘‘The satellite technology was built in collaboration with the Chinese government based on our home-based strategy and design. Ethiopian engineers are involved in the project as well. This would have a huge significance in sharing technology, acquiring key knowledge and transferring experience that are vital for further space research and innovation,’’ as to him.
Moreover, the satellite which will have a command and control center at Entoto space observatory and research center will create ample opportunity for the nation to compete with other countries in data gathering and analyzing. No doubt policy makers would make the most benefit out of it.
‘‘It would be a massive achievement for our country. Beyond that we have an ambition to rent it out to neighboring countries. To realize this, qualified human power is needed and we are working on that. Besides, necessary facilities and infrastructures will be put in place’’ Solomon notes.
For his part, Samuel Mekasha, Physics Lecturer at Addis Ababa University says space science will have a huge role in forecasting and preparing invaluable information about frequent droughts being induced by climate change.
As the nation has been vulnerable to climate change related catastrophes for several decades, the satellite will contribute valuable information on ways of gathering, forecasting and analyzing natural disasters. This would be significantly important for the government to take preemptive measures, he elaborates.
The satellite is expected to collect and analyze basic information within four days and this would have pivotal role in modernizing the agriculture sector, on which more than 80 percent of Ethiopians depend for their livelihood, Samuel reaffirms.
With the advancement of its space science technology, Samuel highlights that the nation would launch satellites helpful for sectors such as communication, astronomy and surveillance down the road. Furthermore, Ethiopia has planned to work in collaboration with United Nations in this regard. As a result, UN pledges to connect Ethiopian satellite with the 23 satellites which are operating worldwide.
Pertaining to environmental protection, the lecturer indicates that the satellite could provide basic information about environmental degradation, water and air pollution, deforestation, wildfire, among other predicaments.
To sum up, Ethiopia has planned to modernize its space science with modern facilities and skilled human power. ETRSS-1launch will be witnessed as fundamental achievement for the country. It will pave a way for further research and innovation.
The Ethiopian Herald, December 8/2019
BY TSEGAY HAGOS
