By Zerihun Getachew
It is disclosed that Ethiopia has planned to launch medium research satellite within the next five years.The Entoto Observatory and Research Center (EORC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Sunday with Finland based Space Technology and Science Group (STSG) to this effect.
The main objective of the satellite development agreement is to develop, build and launch 20-25 Kg medium research satellite within the next five years.
Signing the agreement, Director of EORC, Dr. Solomon Belay said Ethiopia will benefit a lot by owning Satellite.
STSG headquartered in Espoo, Finland, is the first Pan-Central European, Nordic and Baltics technologically integrated industry and research group offering end to end design, manufacture, testing, launch and operation of highly capable small and medium advanced satellites.
CEO of STSG Sali Ahmed said his institution is ready to do its level best to develop space science in Ethiopia using its matured experience.
Based on the agreement, after the evolution of the first project both institutions will further upgrade the agreement into large scale satellite technology development.
Since its establishment, the EORC has been working a lot and now Ethiopia is becoming known in the world of Space Science, he added.
American, Chinese and European Researchers are showing interest to work in the area with Ethiopia, Tefera added.
EORC has been established in 2013 by 32 Public universities, Ethiopian Space Science Society and one private University as an independent and autonomous institute, with the objective of promoting and developing earth observation and space science and Technology in Ethiopia.
In a bid to achieve its objectives, EORC works with STSG to work together in the area of space and science technology in Ethiopia.
