STORY: China's engagement fuels Ethiopia's advancements in exploring space science
DATELINE: Sept. 26, 2023
LENGTH: 0:01:29
LOCATION: Addis Ababa
CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Ethiopia's satellite related footage
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Amharic): DAWIT KASSAW, Unit leader for ground application satellite system at Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): MELAKU MUKA, Director of satellite operations at Space Science and Geospatial Institute

STORYLINE:

China's engagement has played a role in helping Ethiopia make advancements in exploring space science.

In December 2019, Ethiopia launched its first ever satellite, ETRSS-1, with support from the Chinese government. 

A year later, Ethiopia launched the second Chinese-backed satellite, ET-Smart-RSS, from China's Wenchang spacecraft launch site.

Dawit Kassaw is one of the Ethiopian pioneers in this field. He expressed his pride and amazement at the success of the satellite project in Ethiopia in such a short span of time.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Amharic): DAWIT KASSAW, Unit leader for ground application satellite system at Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute
"The contribution and support of the Chinese team in this project have been key factors that have helped us reach where we are now. We would like to thank our Chinese colleagues for their dedication and support."

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): MELAKU MUKA, Director of satellite operations at Space Science and Geospatial Institute
"Throughout the launch and in-orbit operation of the satellite, the Ethiopian team has worked with Chinese partners, and we have got many training in different phases of satellite development and in-orbit operation. All this training has helped us to gain technology transfer in the satellite industry."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Addis Ababa.
(XHTV)