The Ministry of Science and Technology announced Ethiopia is constructing a medium sized satellite launching rocket that will be in its final stages of completion within the next three years
Ministry Public relations director Wondwosen Andualem stated that a prototype of the carrier rocket had been created.
“Efforts are underway to launch a medium sized rocket into space within the next three years,” stated the director.
According to Andualem, the satellite building capacity has been expanding due to knowledge and technological expertise shared with development partners.
There is an ongoing effort to manufacture both the satellite and its carrier rocket locally, according to the director, who noted its significance for security, weather forecast and other services.
The establishement of the Ethiopia Space Science Council and Institute was approved in 2016 and will be chaired by the country's prime minister, Hailemariam Desalegn.
Wondwosen noted that if the project is a success, Ethiopia will join countries competing to launch satellites in the equator.
