International Space Institute Deploys Advanced Satellite Data Stations

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International Space Institute Deploys Advanced Satellite Data Stations

Expansion of Satellite Data Collection Stations in Ethiopia

The Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI) has launched a new network of satellite data collection stations in Addis Ababa and several regional cities, marking a major milestone in Ethiopia's digital transformation journey. This initiative is part of the broader Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy, which aims to drive technological progress and modernization across the country.

State Minister of Innovation and Technology, Muluken Kere, emphasized that the strategy has laid a solid foundation for significant advancements in technology. He highlighted ongoing efforts to build robust digital infrastructure and reiterated the government's commitment to expanding satellite data receiving stations nationwide. Muluken also pointed to recent achievements, such as the rollout of the Digital ID project, and expressed optimism about Ethiopia's growing pool of skilled professionals, which he sees as a positive sign for the country's digital future.

Currently, Ethiopia requires an estimated 200 Continuous Operating Reference Stations (CORS) to achieve optimal coverage. However, only 10 have been installed so far. SSGI plans to install an additional 10 stations this fiscal year and aims to increase the total to 30 within the next two years. The newly launched stations include one in Addis Ababa, serving as the main control hub, four in Sheger and surrounding towns, and others located in Bonga, Semera, Jigjiga, Debre Berhan, and Jimma.

The expanded ETCORS system is expected to significantly improve urban management and support infrastructure development. According to SSGI Director General Abdisa Yilma (PhD), the stations are equipped with advanced technology designed to provide surveyors, researchers, disaster-risk analysts, topographers, and mapping professionals with real-time geospatial data. He stressed the importance of accurate geospatial information in the design and construction of buildings, roads, bridges, and dams.

The system will also benefit agriculture, industry, mining, and other key sectors, contributing to high-quality land administration and planning. Abdisa added that SSGI will make extensive use of the new stations to enhance surveying, mapping, and research activities across the country.

State Minister of Urban and Infrastructure Fanta Dejen noted that the system will significantly improve public services, especially in urban land management. "This will make services faster, more transparent, and fairer," Fanta said, emphasizing that the system's near-perfect measurement accuracy will help reduce public complaints. He added that ETCORS will also support smart city development and the expansion of urban green spaces.

The Embracing the Culture of Research (ETCORS) service is designed not only for Ethiopia but also for neighboring countries and the global community. The stations, which began operation today, are expected to strengthen data-driven decision-making and enhance the accuracy of surveying, land registration, and urban planning practices.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Urban Development and Infrastructure is working to establish 14 additional CORS stations across Ethiopia, further expanding the national geospatial infrastructure network.

Key Benefits of the ETCORS System

  • Improved Urban Management: Enhanced accuracy in land registration and urban planning.
  • Infrastructure Development: Support for the construction of critical infrastructure like roads, bridges, and dams.
  • Agricultural and Industrial Growth: Better land administration and resource planning for agriculture and industry.
  • Disaster Risk Analysis: Real-time geospatial data for monitoring and responding to natural disasters.
  • Smart City Initiatives: Facilitating the development of smart cities with efficient public services and green spaces.

Future Plans and Goals

SSGI has outlined clear goals for the expansion of the ETCORS network:

  • Install 10 new stations this fiscal year.
  • Increase the total number of stations to 30 within the next two years.
  • Continue collaboration with the Ministry of Urban Development and Infrastructure to add 14 more stations.

These efforts are part of a larger vision to ensure that Ethiopia can leverage geospatial data for sustainable development and economic growth.


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