Ethiopia is advancing its ambitions in space technology, with plans to launch its third Earth observation satellite by 2026, according to an announcement by the Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute (ESGI). The new satellite, which is being developed in partnership with China, marks another significant step in Ethiopia’s growing investment in space science to support its economic and environmental goals.
The upcoming satellite, ETRSS-02, is expected to offer enhanced image resolution and technological capabilities compared to its predecessors, both of which have reached the end of their operational lifespans. While the satellite was initially scheduled for launch in 2023, logistical and technical delays have postponed the timeline.
Tesfaye Fufa, Executive Director of ESGI’s Satellite Monitoring Department, confirmed that preparations for the launch are already underway, though the financial terms of the agreement with China remain undisclosed.
Ethiopia’s foray into space exploration began with the successful launch of its first-ever Earth observation satellite, ETRSS-01, on December 20, 2019. Developed with assistance from China, ETRSS-01 was designed to collect critical data for sectors such as agriculture, drought monitoring, and climate analysis. Impressively, the satellite exceeded its expected lifespan by nine months.
Following that success, Ethiopia launched its second satellite, ET-Smart-RSS, in late 2020. This satellite, also launched in cooperation with Chinese aerospace partners, completed its planned operational cycle of at least one year. Both satellites were primarily tasked with observing environmental changes, improving disaster response planning, and managing national resources more effectively.
According to ESGI, data collected from the satellites has significantly contributed to Ethiopia’s efforts in areas such as land use planning, sustainable agriculture, tourism development, and disaster risk reduction. The data has also supported environmental monitoring and policy-making at both the national and regional levels.
Looking ahead, ESGI officials emphasized the country’s commitment to further expanding its satellite capabilities while ensuring responsible space activity. The institute is reportedly collaborating with international partners to address issues related to space debris and to promote the long-term sustainability of Ethiopia’s space program.
Ethiopia joins a growing list of African nations—such as Zimbabwe, which recently announced plans to launch its third Earth observation satellite, ZimSat-3—in embracing satellite technology as a vital tool for development. As the continent increasingly turns to space science to tackle pressing challenges, Ethiopia’s continued investment reflects its strategic vision for technological progress and environmental resilience.
