Ejigu, Kitaw (Systems Engineer)

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ejigu_kitaw_300x300Kitaw Ejigu ( February 25, 1948 – January 13, 2006) was an Ethiopian American scientist who worked for NASA as Chief of Spacecraft and Satellite Systems engineer.He was also a political leader.

Upon completion of his studies and researches in the late 1970s, he started working for NASA as a system engineer and space research scientist. He collaborated with other scientists on the space shuttle and other rocketry projects.
Kitaw Ejigu was Ethiopia’s first aerospace scientist. The only Ethiopian in the field, Kitaw also worked for Rockwell International and Boeing.

Apart from his work as an aerospace scientist, he was also known for his efforts to bring about political change in Ethiopia. He publicly denounced the regime in Ethiopia and its actions and policies. Even though he was ambitious about using his knowledge, experience and high-status to help his homeland Ethiopia, he repeatedly said he was not made welcome by the regime. In 2002, he founded a political party, the Ethiopian National United Front, to help overthrow Meles Zenawi’s regime.

Kitaw Ejigu died at the age of 58 on 13 January 2006 in the United States; prior to his death, he was planning to work with the founder of Africa Needs Community Development Corporation, Tad Worku. His goal was to implement his valuable knowledge for the people of Africa and the world to see.

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