Ethiopia has launched its first satellite into space. The satellite was launched on 20 December 2019 with the financial support of China at a space station in the Asian country.
Ethiopia had revealed its satellite plans in 2016 and took a step further by giving more details in the 3rd quarter of 2018 where it disclosed it had scheduled the launch for September of 2019.
Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Demeke Mekonnen at the satellite launch event said, “This will be a foundation for our historic journey to prosperity. The technology is important even if it’s delayed.”
A live screening of the Ethiopian Remote Sensing Satellite (ETRSS-1) launch was held at the Entoto Observatory and Research Center, north of Addis Ababa.
Ethiopia has been plagued with disaster in its agricultural sector. The country has suffered from drought which has affected crop yields, caused losses in livestock farming which has led to food shortages. According to official data from the east African country, every year approximately 5 million people end up in need of food assistance.
Thus, it is hoped that the ETRSS-1 will provide critical information needed to improve and transform agriculture and manage the environment in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia’s Deputy Minister of Innovation and Technology, Ahmedin Mohammed said, “The satellite, which we now own and operate, will provide us with data on meteorology, soil protection, and early drought warning, which would be vital to the development of the country.”
China had reported played a big financial role in the satellite project.
Reports initially stated that the satellite’s design and development will cost a total of approximately $8 million, with China funding $6 million of that cost.
However, to date, the terms of the agreement and financing of the ETRSS-1 by China have not been revealed publicly.
