Ethiopia is set to launch its third Earth observation satellite by 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country's space technology development. The satellite, which will be launched in collaboration with China, is expected to provide better image quality than its predecessors and strengthen Ethiopia's capacity to track environmental shifts, advance agricultural planning, and aid in disaster relief.

The Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute (ESGI) announced the plans to local media, highlighting the satellite's improved capabilities compared to the previous two, ETRSS-01 and ET-SMART-RSS, which were launched in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Both satellites were launched with Chinese assistance and have exceeded their expected lifespans, with ETRSS-01 operating for nine months beyond its targeted service life.

Tesfaye Fufa, executive director of ESGI's Satellite Monitoring Department, confirmed that launch preparations are underway, although the financial terms of the agreement with China have not been disclosed. The new satellite is expected to perform better than its predecessors, providing higher-quality images that will enhance Ethiopia's ability to monitor its environment, plan agricultural activities, and respond to natural disasters.

Ethiopia's ambitious space program is part of a broader trend in Africa, where several countries are investing in space technology to drive economic growth, improve governance, and enhance their global competitiveness. Zimbabwe, for instance, recently announced plans to launch its third observation satellite, ZimSat-3, following the successful launch of ZimSat-2 in November. Tanzania, meanwhile, has established its space program and plans to launch its first satellite in the near future.

According to consultancy firm Space Hubs Africa, the continent is expected to have launched at least 52 satellites by the end of 2022, with many more planned for the next several years. This rapid expansion of Africa's orbital real estate is expected to have significant implications for the continent's economic development, environmental management, and global influence.

The launch of Ethiopia's third satellite is a testament to the country's commitment to developing its space technology capabilities and leveraging them to drive economic growth, improve governance, and enhance its global competitiveness. As Africa's space industry continues to grow, it is likely to have far-reaching implications for the continent's development trajectory and its position in the global economy.

In conclusion, Ethiopia's plans to launch its third Earth observation satellite by 2026 mark a significant milestone in the country's space technology development and demonstrate its commitment to leveraging space technology to drive economic growth, improve governance, and enhance its global competitiveness. As Africa's space industry continues to expand, it is likely to have significant implications for the continent's development trajectory and its position in the global economy.