what is ethiopian space science society

The Ethiopian Space Science Society (ESSS) is a non-profit organization that promotes and advances astronomy, space science, and space technologies in Ethiopia. It was established in 2004 with 47 founding members and has since grown to have over 15,000 individual members, 30 branch associations, over 58 institutional members, and 100 Space School Clubs. The society aims to build a society with a highly developed scientific culture and enable Ethiopia to reap the benefits accruing from space science and technology. Some of the objectives of the society include encouraging educational and research activities in the field of space science and technology, encouraging the adoption and implementation of a policy and strategy concerning space science and related technology, and raising funds and searching for other material and support from domestic and foreign donors to further the objectives of the society. The ESSS has played a crucial role in initiating MSC and PhD level education in space and astronomy fields at the Entoto Observatory & Research Center and public universities, supporting the development of the national space policy, and successfully launching two Ethiopian satellites. The society holds an annual general assembly where members collaborate, exchange insights, and discuss their respective branches’ progress and plans.