ADDIS ABABA- The 70kg Multispectral Remote Sensing Satellite (ET-RSS1) launched into space on December 20, 2019 has generated a wide spectrum of data on various sectors amounting to more than ten million Birr, disclosed Dr. Solomon Belay, Director General of the Ethiopian Space Science and Technology Institute.
The Director-General in an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald said, “Aside from generating data relating to a wide range of sectors such as water, agriculture, and other related aspects, the satellite is now being operated fully by Ethiopians,” He elucidated that after launching the satellite into orbit, the Ethiopian Space Science and Technology Institute managed to spend the first two months monitoring the status of the satellite. As the satellite is in good condition, it has been carrying out its duties and responsibilities as it should be time after time.
“The satellite has been generating quite a lot of data in a wide spectrum of sectors with flying colors. At present, the institute has got the whole thing ready to put up for sale data for various organizations. More to the point, it has got everything ready to put up for sale data for quite a lot of countries given that they have been requesting the purchase of data used for different purposes.
As the institute works around the clock, the whole thing relating to the satellite is heading in the right direction time after time.
He went on to say, “Apart from playing a major role in technology and knowledge transfer, national image building, ensuring a place in the space, generating revenues, among others, the main goal of launching the satellite is to build technology application capacity and skills,”
“By the same token, the intended target of launching the satellite is to monitor the surroundings, keep an eye on weather patterns for healthier agricultural development, forestry undertakings, infrastructure expansion, and what have you,” he wrapped up.
It was to be recalled that on Wednesday the Ethiopian Space Science and Technology Institute and Addis Ababa Science and Technology University was able to put their signatures to a Memorandum of understanding for a joint research and infrastructure expansion.
By the same token, the 50 million Euros fund is to be financed by European Development Bank, France and Ethiopia funneling 25, 15 and 10 Euros in that order.
The Ethiopian Herald May 15/2020
BY ADDISALEM MULAT
