Kitaw Ejigu

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This article is about a person whose name includes a patronymic. The article properly refers to the person by his given name, Kitaw, and not as Ejigu.

Kitaw Ejigu
ቅጣው እጅጉ
Born(1948-02-25)25 February 1948
Bonga, Keffa, Ethiopia
Died13 January 2006(2006-01-13) (aged 57)
Austin, Texas
Resting placeForest Lawn Cemetery, Covina Hills
NationalityEthiopia Ethiopian
CitizenshipEthiopian American
Alma mater
Spouse(s)Stella Ejigu
Children3
Scientific career
InstitutionsNASA, Loral Corp, Boeing and Rockwell International

Kitaw Ejigu (Ge'ez: ቅጣው እጅጉ; /kˈɪtˈəwɪ ɪdʒɪɡu/ (About this soundlisten); 25 February 1948 – 13 January 2006) was the first Ethiopian American scientist and politician who served NASA for about four decades as Chief of Spacecraft and Satellite Systems engineer.[1] With his co-workers, Kitaw invented spacecraft and rockets to support Planetary Science Research and Exploration. He was also among scientists who invented Flight Dynamic Simulator, Advanced Global Positioning Satellite System, and Aerospace Rocket mechanics.[1] Before his journey to United States, he worked as Chief technical advisor and assistant manager for Ethiopian Automotive Services and Sales Company.[2] He was the first Ethiopian Aerospace scientist. Kitaw died on 13 January 2006 after suffering from stroke on 8 January 2006.[3]

Early life[]

Kitaw was born in Bonga, Keffa province, Ethiopia in 25 February 1948[1] from 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 and 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] Later, in 1973, Kitaw 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]

Career[]

In 1967, after his graduation from Polytechnic College, 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, Kitaw had an opportunity to be employed in NASA and became the first Ethiopian aerospace scientist.[citation needed] Kitaw served in 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 scientist and Apollo astronaut Buzz Aldrin, second person to walk on the Moon.[2] Also he invented 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 Corp[1] and Rockwell International.[2]

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

In 2002, and in his later years, Kitaw became a politician and founded a political party named the .[5]

Personal life and death[]

Kitaw was married to Stella Ejigu and had three children. On 8 January 2006, he had a stroke and never recovered; he died on 13 January 2006 after surgery at , Austin Texas.[3][1] He was buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Covina Hills at 3:00 PM, 18 January 2006 and his memorial service was held at Lake Avenue Congregational Church, in Pasadena, California at 11:00 AM, 21 January 2006.[3]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i Press Digest. Volume 13. Anasir Publishers. 2006. pp. 2–11. |volume= has extra text (help)
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b c d Ethiopian Review. Volume 2. Ethiopian Review Magazine. 1992. pp. 23–40. |volume= has extra text (help)
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e "Kitaw Ejigu Obituary (2006) - Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles Times". www.legacy.com. 17 January 2006. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
  4. ^ Press Digest. Volume 13. Anasir Publishers. 2006. p. 2. |volume= has extra text (help)
  5. ^ The Europa World Year Book 2007. Routledge. 2007. pp. 1718–1719. ISBN 978-1-85743-413-2.
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