Meet Emebet Mehabaw: Ethiopia’s First Woman Selected to Travel to Space in 2029











Addis Ababa – Ethiopia is preparing to mark a milestone in global space history as Emebet Mehabaw, a young aerospace engineer and space scientist, has been selected to travel into orbit in March 2029. She will represent Ethiopia as the nation’s first astronaut candidate and says she intends to carry the Ethiopian flag on this groundbreaking journey.

The mission, organized by Titans Space Industries Inc., will take place aboard the Titans Genesis Spaceplane and will be led by NASA veteran astronaut and retired U.S. Army Colonel William McArthur Jr.. McArthur is a seasoned space traveler with three Space Shuttle flights and six months as Commander of the International Space Station under his belt.

A Five-Hour Orbital Mission

The inaugural flight will be a five-hour orbital mission, reaching 300 km above Earth—nearly a quarter of the distance to the International Space Station. It will feature three hours of sustained zero gravity, offering scientists an unparalleled environment for research and human exploration.

Mrs. Mehabaw, who works as an aerospace engineer at Titan Space Industries, was chosen after rigorous evaluation of her physical, psychological, and research qualifications. She is expected to begin intensive astronaut training in 2026 alongside an international team of candidates.

A Childhood Dream Turned Reality

Reflecting on her selection, Mehabaw shared how surreal the moment feels:

“I think of my 10-year-old self… how proud she would be. Coming from Ethiopia, a place where space education is still a dream and mentors are rare, this moment feels surreal.”

She added that she is not only bringing her childhood dream to life but also carrying the hopes of millions of young Africans and space enthusiasts who aspire to reach beyond the skies:

“To every Ethiopian, every African, every dreamer reading this: Never. Ever. Give. Up. Keep pushing. Keep dreaming. You never know what tomorrow holds.”

International Recognition

Emebet Mehabaw’s journey is backed by a record of achievement and recognition:

African Space Leader Award (2024) – one of only four winners across the continent.

Named one of the International Astronautical Federation’s “Promising Space Scientists” for 2025.

Currently serving as Ethiopia’s representative at the Space Generation Advisory Council, amplifying Africa’s role in global space policy.

She has also expressed gratitude to the global space leaders and mentors who have guided her, including Dr. Mindy Howard, Vladimir Pletser, and William McArthur.

Carrying Ethiopia to the Stars

For Ethiopia, her selection represents not just an individual accomplishment, but a symbol of scientific progress and national pride. Mehabaw emphasized that she will carry the Ethiopian flag into orbit, ensuring her homeland is represented in the annals of space exploration.

As she prepares for the journey, she continues to inspire young Africans with a message of resilience, patience, and purpose:

“Patience, resilience, belief, and purpose are the keys. This is proof that even from places where space education is rare, dreams can take you beyond the Earth.”