Kitaw Ejigu

SpouseStella EjiguChildren3Scientific careerInstitutions

Kitaw Ejigu /kˈɪtˈəwɪ ɪdʒɪɡu/ ^ⓘ; 25 February 1948 – 13 January 2006) was an Ethiopian-American scientist and politician who served as chief of spacecraft and satellite systems engineer for NASA for four decades.^[1]

With his co-workers, Kitaw invented spacecraft and rockets to support planetary science research and exploration. He was among the scientists who invented the Flight Dynamic Simulator, Advanced Global Positioning Satellite System, and aerospace rocket mechanics.^[1] Before coming to the United States, he worked as chief technical advisor and assistant manager for Ethiopian Automotive Services and Sales Company.^[2] He was the first aerospace scientist.

Kitaw died on 13 January 2006 after having a stroke on 8 January 2006.^[3]

Kitaw was born in Bonga, Keffa province, Ethiopia on 25 February 1948^[1][3] to his father Ejigu Haile and mother Askale Belayneh.^{[citation needed]} After completing his primary and secondary education in Bonga, Waka and Jimma, Kitaw attended his higher education at the Polytechnic College of Ethiopia, in Bahir Dar in the department of Mechanical Engineering. In 1966 he graduated as the top student in his class.^[1]

In 1972, Kitaw went to Japan after winning a scholarship that was provided by the Japanese Overseas Technical Association, and studied Automotive engineering, and Language and Economics at Hiroshima University and Osaka University respectively.^[1] In 1973, he received a scholarship to the United States, where he had received a Master of Arts in Business administration and Doctor of Philosophy in aerospace engineering.^[3]

In 1967, after his graduation from the former Polytechnic College, now Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Kitaw became chief technical advisor and assistant manager for Ethiopian Automotive Services and Sales Company and served for two years.^[2] Following his scholarship to United States, he was employed by NASA^[3] and became the first Ethiopian aerospace scientist. He served at NASA as Chief of Spacecraft and Satellite Systems engineer,^[1] and invented spacecraft and rockets to support planetary science research and exploration.^[4]

In 1978, Kitaw invented two aerospace mechanisms, which were patented under NASA's new technologies program, while working with NASA's other scientists and Apollo astronaut Buzz Aldrin, second person to walk on the Moon.^[2] He also invented the Flight Dynamic Simulator and Advanced Global Positioning Satellite System for Boeing with his co-workers, and worked as a Space Technology and System Research scientist for this company.^[1] Later, Kitaw also worked as a scientist and engineer for Loral Corporation^[1] and Rockwell International.^[3][2]

In the 2000s, Kitaw went to his homeland Ethiopia and did his best to introduce technology-based development.^{[citation needed]} He established a privately owned satellite and related systems engineering company that he called Trans Tech International, a global technologies service systems. He served as its chief executive officer until his death on 12 January 2006.^[3]

In 2002, Kitaw became a politician and founded a political party named the Ethiopian National United Front.^[5]