SSGI began generating income by offering a multi-satellite data receiving station as a service to various countries and organizations.
The satellite data reception service can receive high-quality satellite data with a resolution of up to 50 centimeters, utilizing the multi-satellite ground data reception center. This service operates on a payment system where countries and organizations pay for the data reception station service based on the number of times their satellites pass (per pass) or the duration they use (per minute).
Dr. Yishrun Alemayehu, state minister of Innovation and Technology, officially launched the service in the presence of the Entoto Observatory Research Center. He emphasized that providing the data reception station as a service is instrumental in accelerating our country’s economic development.
The state minister added that the Space Science and Geospatial Institute’s work in satellite operation and data reception station management has significantly enhanced the country’s reputation and role in the industry at the international level. He commended the institute for its success. Abdisa Yilma, General Director of the Space Science and Geospatial Institute, mentioned that the institute successfully utilized more than 11 satellites from various countries and organizations to earn foreign currency. He highlighted that they have been working for over a year to launch this service. Melaku Muka, Chief Executive Officer of Satellite Operations at the Space Science and Geospatial Institute, explained that the service offers a cost-effective solution for users, allowing them to pay only for the time slots they use instead of investing in their own data receiving station infrastructure.
This system is particularly beneficial for large organizations seeking global satellite data coverage, small satellite operators with limited budgets, and research institutes. It enables them to access necessary data reception station services without incurring high capital costs. Countries and institutions interested in the service are submitting requests, and it is expected that the number of user satellites will increase in the future. At the event, twelve researchers involved in implementing the service were recognized. Participants also had the opportunity to visit the Entoto Observatory Research Center.