The 8.9 kg satellite abbreviated as ET-Smart-RSS was co-designed by the Ethiopian Space Science and Technology Institute (ESSTI) in collaboration with Chinese experts and is capable to take high-resolution pictures. In December 2019, Ethiopia, in cooperation with China, launched its first satellite. The 72 kg multi-spectral remote sensing satellite, stationed in a 700 km orbit, is monitoring environment and weather patterns for better agricultural planning, drought early warning, mining activities and forestry management of Ethiopia.

Xinhua news release, December 23, 2020