Ethiopia remote sensing satellite?
VerifiedAnswer: ETRSS-1
Explanation:
ETRSS-1 (Ethiopian Remote Sensing Satellite-1) is Ethiopia's first remote sensing satellite, marking a significant milestone in the country's space technology development. This satellite represents Ethiopia's entry into the exclusive club of nations with their own Earth observation capabilities.
The satellite was successfully launched on December 20, 2019, from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in China aboard a Long March 4B rocket. This achievement made Ethiopia the second African country, after South Africa, to develop and operate its own remote sensing satellite for Earth observation purposes.
ETRSS-1 is a multi-spectral remote sensing satellite developed through collaboration between Ethiopia and China. The satellite was built by Chinese engineers working alongside Ethiopian scientists and technicians, providing valuable knowledge transfer and capacity building for Ethiopia's emerging space program. The project was part of Ethiopia's broader strategy to enhance its technological capabilities and scientific research infrastructure.
The satellite serves multiple important purposes for Ethiopia's development needs. Its primary applications include monitoring agricultural activities, tracking climate changes, supporting disaster management efforts, and conducting environmental research. ETRSS-1 helps Ethiopian authorities monitor crop health, predict harvest yields, and manage natural resources more effectively across the country's diverse geographical regions.
The satellite operates from a sun-synchronous orbit approximately 636 kilometers above Earth's surface. It carries advanced imaging equipment capable of capturing high-resolution images of the Earth's surface, which are then transmitted to ground stations for analysis and processing by Ethiopian researchers and government agencies.
The launch of ETRSS-1 has significantly boosted Ethiopia's scientific and technological standing in Africa and globally. It demonstrates the country's commitment to investing in space technology and scientific research as tools for national development. The satellite data helps inform policy decisions related to agriculture, water management, urban planning, and environmental protection, making it an invaluable asset for Ethiopia's sustainable development goals.
