Ethiopia is planning to launch medium research satellite in the next five years. To this effect, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Sunday between Finland based Space Technology and Science Group (STSG) and the Entoto Observatory and Research Center (EORC).
The primary goal of the agreement is to create, develop and launch between 20 and 25 kg medium research satellite in the following five years.
According to Dr. Solomon Belay, the Director of EORC who signed the agreement, Ethiopia would benefit a great deal by owning a satellite.
Sali Ahmed, the CEO of STSG stated: “My institution is prepared to do its level best to build space science in Ethiopia using its matured experience.”
Based on the agreement, after the completion of the first project both institutions will additionally upgrade the agreement into large-scale satellite technology development.
Tefera Walwa, the Board Chair of EORC also noted: “Ethiopia is working hard to pay attention to Space Science. Since EORC was established, it has been working a lot and now Ethiopia is getting known in the world of Space Science.”
He added that the European, Chinese and American Researchers are showing interest to work with Ethiopia in the area.
EORC was established by 32 Public Universities in 2013 with the objective of developing and promoting earth observation and space science and Technology in Ethiopia.
On the other hand, STSG, whose headquarters is in Espoo, Finland, is the first Pan-Central European, Nordic and Baltics technologically integrated industry and research group that offers testing, manufacture, launch, end-to-end design and operation of highly capable small and medium advanced satellites.