• Satellite will help compete globally: PM Abiy
• A historical journey for Ethiopia’s prosperity: Deputy PM
ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia’s first remote sensing satellite got connected with its receiver at Entoto Observatory Station, ushering in a historical leap from estimation to accuracy, and from borrower of information to being owner, as expressed by Minister of Innovation and Technology.
The 72 kg Ethiopian Remote Sensing Satellite (ETRSS-1) was launched into space from the Taiyuan Satellite Launching Center of China yesterday and got connected to its receiver at home from 700 kilometers above the surface of the earth.
On his congratulatory message to Ethiopians following the successful launch of the satellite, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) said that ETRSS-1 will help the country to own reliable information to compete at international level and realize its development journey.
PM Abiy pointed out that Ethiopia used to buy images from other countries without satellite, but its first satellite will help to directly collect information about its border activities, monitor its mega projects, gather weather information and modernize its agriculture.
PM Abiy assured that Ethiopia will continue to produce and launch additional satellites collaborating with other countries.
During the launching ceremony at Entoto Observatory and Research Center, found North of Addis Ababa, Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen said that this is a historical moment for Ethiopia’s journey of prosperity.
It is an indication that Ethiopia needs to join the rest of the world at a rapid pace. Technology development and international competitiveness should be strengthened, he added.
Ministry of Innovation and Technology State Minister Ahmedin Mohammed (PhD) also said that “the first satellite will help Ethiopia to transform from estimation to certainty, from borrowed information to ownership and from being mere observer into practitioner which helps the country’s development.”
It was learnt that 21 Ethiopian engineers have participated in the overall activities of the satellite from design to the final step.
The Ethiopian Herald December 21/2019
BY DARGIE KAHSAY
