Ethiopia opened the first phase of a space exploration programme: stakes and opportunities.

It henceforth clear that, Ethiopia boosted by Ethiopian-Saudi business tycoon Mohammed Alamoudi, with the 3.4 million dollar observatory, run by the Ethiopian Space Science Society (ESSS), is deeply committed to succeed in space adventure. The programme includes East Africa's largest observatory designed to promote

astronomy research in the region.

In fact the optical astronomical telescope is intended for astronomy and astrophysics observation research. The observatory, 3,200 metres (10,500 feet) above sea level in the lush Entoto mountains on the outskirts of the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, aims to be an ideal location because of its minimal cloud cover, moderate winds and low humidity.

In this dynamic, the Ethiopian government will launch a space policy in coming years; the ESSS is also looking to open a second observatory 4,200 metres (13,800 feet) above sea level in the mountainous northern town of Lalibela; The country could also launch its first satellite in the next three years, to study meteorology and boost telecommunications.

Connectikpeople may recall that, founded in 2004, Ethiopian Space Science Society (ESSS), was labelled as the "Crazy People's Club", with astronomy courses introduced at universities.

Up to date, in Africa, there are several initiatives focused on the space exploration: South Africa has its own National Space Agency; in 2009 the African Union announced plans to establish The African Space Agency and finally, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has called for a continent-wide space programme.