Ethiopia has taken a significant step in advancing its capabilities in space science by signing a contract to launch its third Earth observation satellite. The Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute (ESSGI) formalized this agreement with the Shanghai Microsatellite Engineering Center, a prominent entity in satellite engineering and development based in China.
Abdisa Yilma, the Director General of the Space Science and Geospatial Institute, emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating that the institute is dedicated to the organization and analysis of diverse satellite data to harness its benefits for the nation. He highlighted that Ethiopia has been collaborating with various research centers both domestically and internationally to broaden the array of satellite data available.
The satellite being developed under this new contract is the Ethiopian Remote Sensing Satellite-2 (ETRSS-2), which boasts an impressive resolution of 0.5 meters and is designed to operate effectively for a projected service life of five years. According to the terms of the agreement, the development of ETRSS-2 is expected to be completed within a timeframe of one year and six months.
In a promising development, Ethiopia will begin receiving complimentary data from the SDG Sat-1 satellite, which enhances the country's capacity to analyze satellite imagery and data. This initiative is set to significantly improve access to crucial information, facilitating timely decisions across various sectors.
Minister of State for Innovation and Technology, Fozia Amin (PhD), reinforced the Ethiopian government’s commitment to bolstering national expertise in space science. She noted that the focus starts with training and producing qualified experts in the field. Minister Fozia urged both the ESSGI and the Shanghai Microsatellite Engineering Center to closely collaborate to ensure the successful launch and operation of the ETRSS-2 satellite.
The government has pledged to provide all necessary support and oversight to guarantee the successful execution of this project. Furthermore, Zhaocheng Zhou, Deputy Director of the Scientific Research and Engineering Administration of the Shanghai Microsatellite Engineering Center, expressed his commitment to fulfilling the terms of the contract and assured that his team would effectively carry out the tasks required for the satellite’s successful launch.
Today's agreement is not just a contract; it signifies a partnership that will foster cooperation between the two institutions, enabling them to share knowledge and expertise in the rapidly evolving field of satellite technology and Earth observation. Plans include establishing information centers capable of monitoring and addressing changes in crops, forests, water resources, and land use, as well as systems designed to control and respond to natural disasters. Through these initiatives, Ethiopia aims to enhance its ability to utilize satellite data for sustainable development and environmental management.