Ethiopia Unveils New 12-Metre Satellite Ground Station
In December 2024, Ethiopia marked another significant milestone in its space programme, declaring a new 12-metre satellite ground station operational. This infrastructure, developed through collaboration between engineers from the Ethiopian Space Science Geospatial Institute (SSGI) and a Chinese firm, represents a major advancement in the country’s space capabilities.
SSGI is Ethiopia’s primary public institute dedicated to space science and geospatial technology. Established with a mission to produce internationally competitive research, the institute focuses on providing reliable satellite and geospatial information, developing technology, and facilitating industrial transfer. In addition, SSGI aims to promote international and regional collaborations in space science, technology, and geospatial sectors while developing human resources to address professional gaps at both national and international levels. The institute currently manages several large-scale national projects aligned with these objectives, with the Ethiopian Satellite Ground Station (ESGS) being one of its most significant undertakings.
Space in Africa spoke with Eshet Tesfaye Tafes, the project manager for the ground station, to gain insight into the project’s development, technical specifications, and strategic importance to Ethiopia’s space ambitions.
What are the technical specifications of the new ground station?
The new 12-meter satellite ground station is located at the expansion site of the institute’s research centre at the Entoto Observatory and Research Center (EORC) on Mount Entoto. This state-of-the-art facility complements the 7.3-meter multi-satellite tracking and data-receiving ground station launched in May 2021.
The new ground station features:
- A 12-meter antenna diameter, significantly larger than the previous 7.3-meter station
- Capability to receive high-resolution satellite data up to 50 centimetres
- Multi-satellite tracking functionality
- Advanced data processing capabilities for various applications, including weather monitoring and disaster management
- Enhanced communication systems for satellite operations
How was the ground station developed?
The ground station was developed through a collaborative effort between Ethiopian engineers from SSGI and a Chinese technical team. This partnership exemplifies international cooperation in space technology development, with knowledge transfer being a key project component. The collaboration enabled Ethiopian engineers to gain valuable experience in satellite ground station technology while working alongside their Chinese counterparts. In addition, the ground station was facilitated by a foreign grant received from the Chinese government.
What is the strategic importance of this new infrastructure?
The new 12-metre ground station significantly enhances Ethiopia’s space communication and satellite operations capabilities. It serves multiple strategic purposes:
- Data Reception and Processing: The station improves Ethiopia’s ability to receive and process satellite data, enabling more comprehensive monitoring of various environmental and terrestrial conditions.
- Revenue Generation: The ground station expands SSGI’s capacity to provide ground station services to external clients. The institute has already initiated income generation by offering these services to various countries and organisations.
- Technological Independence: By developing local expertise in ground station operations, Ethiopia reduces its dependence on foreign facilities for satellite data reception.
- Research and Development: The enhanced capabilities support advanced research in space science and geospatial applications, contributing to Ethiopia’s scientific development.
What business model is SSGI implementing for ground station services?
SSGI has implemented a commercial model for its ground station services. The payment structure is based on the time spent per pass or per minute clients use for data reception. This time-based billing model allows flexibility for clients with varying needs and budgets.
With the addition of the new 12-meter ground station, SSGI has significantly increased its capacity to provide ground station as a service (GSaaS) to clients. This expanded capability positions the institute to generate additional revenue from African and international clients seeking satellite data reception services.
How does this development fit into Ethiopia’s broader space ambitions?
The new ground station is key to Ethiopia’s space programme. It complements other initiatives, including satellite development and launches, by providing the necessary ground infrastructure to effectively communicate with and utilise space assets. Furthermore, this development aligns with Ethiopia’s vision to become a regional space technology and services leader. By investing in ground infrastructure, Ethiopia is building a comprehensive space ecosystem encompassing space and ground segments, positioning the country to play a more significant role in Africa’s growing space sector.
The ground station is also a foundation for future space-related projects and international collaborations, potentially attracting more partnerships and investment in Ethiopia’s space industry.