# ETRSS-1

> Ethiopian satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q104155803](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q104155803)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ETRSS-1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/etrss-1

## Summary
ETRSS-1 is Ethiopia's first satellite, launched in 2019 to conduct Earth observation for agricultural, environmental, and climate monitoring. It was deployed aboard a Chinese Long March 4B rocket and operates in a near-circular orbit. The satellite marks a significant milestone in Ethiopia's space program.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: December 20, 2019, at 03:22:29 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 4B (mission Y44) from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center.
- **Mass**: 65 kilograms.
- **Orbit**: Near-circular orbit with an altitude of ~626–628 km, 97.134-minute orbital period, and 97.896° inclination.
- **COSPAR ID**: 2019-093F.
- **Primary Mission**: Earth observation, focusing on agriculture, forestry, and environmental monitoring.
- **Satellite Type**: Earth observation satellite and artificial satellite of Earth.

## FAQs
### Q: When was ETRSS-1 launched?
A: ETRSS-1 was launched on December 20, 2019, at 03:22:29 UTC, aboard a Long March 4B rocket from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in China.

### Q: What is the significance of ETRSS-1?
A: ETRSS-1 is Ethiopia’s first satellite, representing the country’s entry into space technology. It supports agricultural development, environmental monitoring, and climate change studies through Earth observation.

### Q: What type of orbit does ETRSS-1 use?
A: The satellite operates in a near-circular sun-synchronous orbit at approximately 626–628 km altitude, with a 97.134-minute orbital period and 97.896° inclination.

## Why It Matters
ETRSS-1 is a landmark achievement for Ethiopia, demonstrating the nation’s growing investment in space technology for socioeconomic development. As the country’s first satellite, it provides critical data for agriculture, forestry, and environmental management, aiding in resource optimization and climate resilience. The mission underscores Ethiopia’s collaboration with international partners, notably China, which provided the launch vehicle and technical support. By enhancing Earth observation capabilities, ETRSS-1 contributes to sustainable development goals and strengthens Ethiopia’s capacity to address national and regional challenges.

## Notable For
- Ethiopia’s first indigenously developed satellite, symbolizing advancement in its space program.
- Collaboration with China’s space industry, utilizing the Long March 4B launch vehicle.
- Optimized sun-synchronous orbit for consistent imaging of Ethiopia and neighboring regions.
- Focus on practical applications, including crop monitoring, disaster management, and environmental conservation.

## Body
### Launch and Deployment
ETRSS-1 was launched on December 20, 2019, at 03:22:29 UTC, aboard the Long March 4B rocket (mission Y44) from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in China. The satellite reached an orbit with a perigee of 626 km, an apogee of 628.61 km, and an orbital inclination of 97.896°.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 65 kg.
- **Orbital Period**: 97.134 minutes.
- **Eccentricity**: 0 (circular orbit).
- **Identifiers**: COSPAR ID 2019-093F, SCN 44884.

### Mission Objectives
ETRSS-1 is designed to collect data for:
- Agricultural monitoring and crop yield assessment.
- Forest and land cover mapping.
- Environmental and climate change studies.
- Disaster response and mitigation.

### Orbital Characteristics
- **Altitude**: ~626–628 km.
- **Inclination**: 97.896°, enabling sun-synchronous imaging.
- **Eccentricity**: 0, ensuring stable circular orbit for consistent data collection.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report