Kitaw Ejigu
Kitaw Ejigu was an Ethiopian
American engineer and political leader; he was one of Ethiopia’s first
aerospace scientists. With the completion of his studies in the late
1970s, he was drawn towards aerospace technology and started working for
NASA as a system engineer and space research scientist. He invented two
aerospace mechanisms which were patented under NASA’s new technology.
He collaborated with other scientists to create space shuttles and
rockets that assisted in planetary science research and exploration of
planet earth. Among his greatest achievements while working on space
technology were his innovative creations of the Global Positioning
System (GPS), and a revolutionary and dynamic flight simulator for the
Boeing Company. Apart from his work as an aerospace scientist, he was
also known for his efforts to bring about political change in Ethiopia.
Because of his deep concern and love for his motherland and its people,
he dedicated most of his later years serving as a visionary leader. He
established the major opposition party, The Ethiopian National United
Front, and worked towards the liberation of people in his homeland. He
earned the respect of millions of followers due to his visionary
leadership and personal accomplishments.
Childhood & Early Life
He
was born on February 25, 1948, in Bonga, Keffa, Ethiopia, and received
his early education from the Miazia 27th High School in Jimma province.
He
attended the ‘Bahr Dar Polytechnic Institute’ and received his diploma
in 1966 in mechanical engineering with specialization in agricultural
technology. After graduation, he worked at the ‘Ethiopian Automotive
Services and Sales Company (EASSCO)’ as Chief Technical Advisor and
Assistant Manager for two years.
In
1972, he won a scholarship from the Japanese Overseas Technical
Association on the basis of which he studied automotive engineering at
Hiroshima University, and language and Japanese economics at Osaka
University.
Later,
he moved to the United States and began his intensive research and
training and earned an MS/MBA in business administration in 1979. Then
he completed his doctorate in space vehicle systems engineering from
Northrop University in California.
Major Works
In
1978, while working with other NASA scientists and the Apollo astronaut
Buz Aldrin, he invented two aerospace mechanisms which were patented
under NASA's new technologies programs.
Personal Life & Legacy
He
married Stella Ejigu, who also became one of his ardent supporters.
They have three children, Sarah Abigail, Benyam and Yared.
On
January 7, 2006, he was enjoying with his family in Austin, when he
fell and hurt himself. The team of neurosurgeons was unable to stop the
internal brain hemorrhage and his condition deteriorated.
He
died an hour past midnight on January 13, 2006, four days after he
underwent surgery at North Austin Medical Center in Austin Texas. A
memorial service was held at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena, California,
followed by his burial at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Covina Hills.
