Lidya Rezene Elias - Ethiopia

Lidya has a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. While studying, she also interned with Ethiopian Airlines, where she was part of the team responsible for the overall maintenance of the aircraft. 

After graduation, she was recruited to join the team that developed the first Microsatellite at the Ethiopia Space Science and Technology Institute (ESSTI). There she worked as an Assistant Researcher in the design of the structural and communication system of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, while also providing project support in the design of the Altitude Control System of Cube Satellite and establishing the first National Space Policy.  In addition to all this, Lidya has published two journal articles on Composites and Structural Analysis of Cube Satellites.

Given the lack of awareness in cutting-edge aerospace technologies, Lidya has started an aerospace club where students with interest in aerospace technologies meet and share knowledge and enhance their learning and skills through different tasks. Lidya also speaks at different forums to inspire and encourage young people to get involved in tech hub societies like the Ethiopian Space Science Society and American Centre.

The most important thing that she has learned at the ADDA is assembling and flying drones. After ADDA, she will return to her former job in Ethiopia and put her newly acquired knowledge to design and fly drones. However, a significant challenge to drone application in her country at the moment is the urgent need to develop and implement appropriate drone regulations in Ethiopia.

She looks forward to working with drones in different areas of need in her country. ‘Unlike working with satellites, drones are simpler to design and work with, which means they can be used more easily than satellites,” she concludes.