Israeli Space Agency
Encyclopedia
Israel Space Agency is a governmental body that coordinates all Israel
i space research programs with scientific and commercial goals. It was established in 1983 and is currently headed by Aluf
(retired) professor Yitzhak Ben Yisrael
. Israel is the smallest country with indigenous launch capabilities.
developed the infrastructure
needed for research and development in space
exploration and sciences. This activity was marked with the development of satellite
s and launching facilities , and had the proclaimed goal of Israel entering the "club" of states with those abilities. In November 1982 the Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Yuval Ne'eman
, announced the formation of an agency which could coordinate and supervise a national space program
.
In 1984 the National Space Knowledge Center was established in cooperation with Israel Aircraft Industries
; a contract was signed between IAI
and Ministry of Defence for the development of the needed infrastructure and of Israel's first observation satellite
. This came to fruition in 1988 when Israel launched the first in a series of Ofeq
satellites and thus became one of only a few nations in the world possessing an indigenous space launching capability (see timeline of first orbital launches by country). The project management at Israel Aircraft Industries
was headed for many years by Dr. Moshe Bar-Lev.
"Space research and exploration is an essential instrument for the defense of life on Earth
; the lever for technological progress; the key to existing in a modern society; essential for developing an economy based on knowledge; and the central attraction for scientific and qualified human resources."
The vision is "to preserve and broaden the comparative advantage of Israel
and to place it among the group of leading countries in the space research and exploration area."
The main goals for vision realization are:
ISA has signed cooperation agreements with the space agencies of: USA (NASA
), France
(CNES
), Canada
(CSA), India
(ISRO), Germany
(DLR
), Ukraine
(NSAU), Russia
(RKA), Netherlands
(NIVR
) and Brazil
(AEB
).
-2; in April 1995, it took a leap forward with the launch of Ofeq-3, which carried an advanced electro-optical payload built by Israeli industry for local purposes. Ofeq-3 has been functioning without a hitch. Following a setback with Ofeq-4, Ofeq-5 was successfully launched in May 2002.
On May 16, 1996, a French-built vehicle launched the commercial satellite Amos
, developed by the Israel Aircraft Industries
, into the sky. The Amos is distinguished for its light weight and sophisticated technology.
Israel is also actively involved in the TAUVEX
(Tel Aviv University Ultra Violet Explorer), developed by an Israeli hi-tech firm. TAUVEX is a cluster of three bore-sighted 20-cm telescopes for observation in the ultra-violet funded by the Israel Space Agency. It was due to be launched by India on-board the ISRO satellite GSAT-4
satellite but due to a mis-match between the capabilities of the launched and the mass of the satellite, ISRO decided unilaterally to remove TAUVEX from GSAT-4.
Other local projects include the Techsat, a satellite developed by the Technion, and the pending manufacture of the David, a commercial remote sensing satellite developed jointly by an Israeli hi-tech company and a German firm. Tel Aviv University
is conducting research based on G.P.S.T. (global positioning system technology); Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is at work along with a private company on desert research and ground humidity; and Bar-Ilan University makes use of imaging techniques to seek surface saline concentrations.
The main contractor of the "Ofeq
", "Eros" space programs is the IAI Mabat factory in Yahud. The Mabat facility includes the Experiment and Integration Center as well as the ground monitoring and control stations and the remote satellites receiving stations.
Many of the high-tech companies are involved in the various space programs in Israel, and in manufacturing sub-systems and components.
The IAI Electronics Group
The IAI Electronics Group is one of the best of the electronic systems manufacturer for security and space systems.
The group was also the main contractor for the assembling of the Ofek, Amos and Eros Satellites, and provides a wide range of products, such as: preliminary planning, detailed planning, program execution, and full logistic support.
The group includes four factories:
These factories, with all their various abilities and technologies, are active for years in developing and manufacturing products and systems in the field of space systems development especially for military purposes, even though on recently years they have entered the international civilian space industry scene, with the assistance of ISA.
Thanks to the substantial resources invested in these factories and the skilled manpower, the Electronics can plan, develop and manufacture space platform and mounted subsystem. The group is ready to provide satellite systems with top performance, using the Turnkey method.
IAI - Mabat
Mabat's Space Technologies Administration was chosen by ISA to be the main contractor for Israel's national space programs. This administration includes, in one framework, all the engineering capabilities required for developing and constructing satellites, including full integration and performance tests. In addition, the administration also provides operational capabilities including surveillance, control and monitoring station, as well as multi-satellite ground stations for remote sensing.
The Space Technologies Administration in the Mabat factory is responsible for developing and manufacturing satellites in IAI (Until today, all satellites developed and constructed by Israel were developed in the Mabat factory, excluding the Technion's TECHSAT satellite.)
The Administration also operates satellite receiving stations, from where it can controls the Ofek, Amos and Eros satellites.
In addition, a RIMS (Ranging and Integrity Monitoring Station) ground station will be constructed, as a part of the satellite-based navigational array constructed by the ESA.
IAI – Malam
Malam is one of the four factories in the IAI Electronics Group. The factory is very experienced in development, assembling, testing and operating system for use in space.
The Malam factory has developed the "Shavit
" launcher which allows low-cost and high-reliability launch of micro/mini satellites to a Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
The development of the "Shavit" began on 1983 and its operational capabilities were proven on three successful launches of the Ofek satellites on September 19, 1988, April 3, 1990 and April 5 , 1995.
The "Shavit" is a triple-stage launcher. The first and second stage engines are manufactured by Ta'as, and use solid fuel. The third stage engines are manufactured by Raphael. Recently, Malam is trying to insert the Shavit launcher and more advanced models of the launcher to the international space industry market.
Raphael (Hebrew abbreviation for Weapon Systems Development Authority)
Raphael's propulsion department is the propulsion systems supplier for Israel's space projects. Raphael was chosen to develop, test and manufacture the advanced engine for the "Shavit" launcher's third stage engines, and the engines used for the navigation of the "Ofek" satellites into orbit.
Raphael's contribution for Israel's space activity is manifested in development and manufacture of the third stage engine of the "Shavit
" satellite launcher, a solid fuel engine made from titanium. This engine is considered one of the most advanced technology in the world.
The second significant contribution is the small hydrazine engines which are used for precise navigation procedure in the "Shavit" launcher, and the various satellites.
Raphael, with the direct and indirect assistance of ISA, was integrated in the international space industry market, in several projects like SLOSHSAT and other small French satellite projects.
El-Op Electro-optic Industries
El-op's developments include one of the best space cameras in the world, integrated in the "Ofek" and "ERDS" satellites.
Along with scientists from the University of Tel-Aviv, El-Op developed a space telescope for sub-violet spectrum range – TAUVEX
), which was first supposed to be launched on the Russian-International satellite Spectrum Rontgen-Gamma (SRG), as part of an international astronomy observations program. Delays with SRG caused a search for an alternative launch, found in the form of India's ISRO GSAT-4
satellite. Reduced capability of the indigenous cryogenic fourth stage of the GSLV launcher required a mass reduction of the GSAT-4 satellite that was realized partly by removing TAUVEX.
Other activities include the development of the miniature horizon cameras for micro and mini satellites. The Technion's satellite, Gurwin-2-TechSAT is equipped with a El-Op low-resolution camera.
El-op has also developed, with ISA direct and indirect support, a multi-spectral camera, which could capture a 12-colored image in a 5-meter resolution, for commercial purposes.
El-op developed the TAUVEX space telescope for Tel Aviv University, under contract with the Ministry of Science (sometimes known also as the Ministry of Technology, or of Sport and Culture, depending on the political coalition in power).
Furthermore, ISA works to strengthen the R&D relations in the field of space between Israeli researchers and researchers from abroad.
The advancement of research and development in the field of space requires the strengthening of scientific and technological knowledge centers, based on concentrating manpower with special capabilities, and in many cases it also requires significant financial investments for equipment and new and special facilities.
In order to enable the advancement and execution of work plans and development programs in this field, which strengthen and advance Israel's space-related capabilities, the Ministry has initiated, via ISA, the establishment of new knowledge centers, committing to aid in their regular budgeting.
The knowledge centers committed themselves to provide services in their specialized field of science to the entire R&D system (Israel and worldwide), including the industrial sector. These centers will also provide scientific and technological support to ISA, and advise ISA in establishing its policy and programs for international and national activity.
The Knowledge Centers sponsored by ISA:
There are currently 3 Knowledge Centers sponsored by ISA, spread across the country, in cooperation with researchers from the Tel-AvivUniversity, in various fields.
EOSDIS
This research, headed by Prof. PinhasAlpert, is funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology as a part of the Space Scientific and Technological Infrastructure Development program. The research is at its fifth year of activity.
The junction was initiated by NASA and according to NASA's director's request, as a part of the cooperation agreement between the director of NASA and the director of ISA, signed on October 1996.
The KnowledgeCenter, or "The NASA Junction", is site that links NASA and Israeli researchers in the field of Remote Sensing, Planetary Research, and Climate and Environmental Changes.
The Junction is also integrated in NASA's global Information System: Earth Observing Science Data and Information System, which contains Remote Sensing Data from NASA and NOAA satellites, and data from other sources like meteorological RADAR and readings from meteorological stations.
The Junction is the only source in the country which focuses on collecting and preserving environmental information in Israel, which is linked to NASA, and which provides information to the scientific community and to the public in general. The Junction provides free access to NASA's data, and access for worldwide clients to data collected in Israel. This information is critical for environmental and water related research, especially in light of the drastic global environmental changes and global warming.
The Junction was established by using money from the University of Tel-Aviv and ---. On the first stage, ISA aided in operating the junction, as a part of the "Researchers Funding" program. We are now at a transformation stage that will enable the funding of the project as a knowledge center.
Knowledge Center for Cosmic Radiation
This research is headed by Dr. Gideon Bela and Prof. Lev Dorman from the University of Tel-Aviv. It is the second year the center operating. The observatory is located on mount Hermon, and is funded by Tel-AvivUniversity's Research Authority and the Lab for Data Processing in Katzerin.
The goal of the center is to monitor and forecast dangerous meteorological and space phenomena: Solar radiation storms and shockwaves between very powerful stars creating magnetic storms. These phenomena can endanger electronic systems in satellites and space shuttles, the astronauts' health, electronic and navigational systems in aircraft flying in extremely high altitudes and ground power systems.
The Cosmic Radiation Observatory named after Emilio Sagara was donated by the Italian Space Agency
, and it is located on Mount Hermon.
Technical Knowledge Center on Near Earth Objects
This center is headed by Dr. Noah Brosch from Tel Aviv University
and operates the two telescopes of the Wise Observatory
to study minor bodies in the Solar System
. Following the cessation of funding from ISA, the asteroid
studies are continuing at the Wise Observatory
with no specific financial support.
Near Earth Objects are comets or asteroids (small planets), which could, theoretically collide with the Earth in their orbit. If these objects are larger than 50 meters or so, their impacts could result in sever damage and even total annihilation (as in the case of the asteroid
that hit 65 million years ago, annihilating the majority of species living on Earth).
NEO research is conducted in several countries, and their goal is to map the objects which pose a threat and to find a solution which will enable us to eradicate it.
For this purpose, a special wide-field 0.46-m telescope was acquired by Tel Aviv University
and is operating at the Wise Observatory
located near Mitzpe Ramon
. The telescope facilitated the discovery of several tens of new asteroids.
Ilan Ramon
was Israel's first astronaut
. Ramon was the space shuttle
payload specialist onboard the fatal STS-107
mission of Space Shuttle Columbia
, in which he and the six other crew members were killed in a re-entry accident
over southern Texas
. Ramon had been selected as a Payload Specialist
in 1997 and trained at the Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
, from 1998 until 2003, for a mission with a payload that included a multispectral camera for recording desert aerosol
(dust).
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
i space research programs with scientific and commercial goals. It was established in 1983 and is currently headed by Aluf
Aluf
Aluf is the term used for General and Admiral in the Israel Defense Forces . In addition to the Aluf rank itself, there are four other ranks which are derivatives of the word...
(retired) professor Yitzhak Ben Yisrael
Yitzhak Ben Yisrael
Professor Yitzhak Ben Yisrael is an Israeli military scientist, general and politician, currently the chairman of the Israeli Space Agency. He is the former head of the Administration for the Development of Weapons and the Technological Industry, which he was appointed to in 1998, and at that...
. Israel is the smallest country with indigenous launch capabilities.
History
In the 70's and 80's IsraelIsrael
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
developed the infrastructure
Infrastructure
Infrastructure is basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise, or the services and facilities necessary for an economy to function...
needed for research and development in space
Space
Space is the boundless, three-dimensional extent in which objects and events occur and have relative position and direction. Physical space is often conceived in three linear dimensions, although modern physicists usually consider it, with time, to be part of a boundless four-dimensional continuum...
exploration and sciences. This activity was marked with the development of satellite
Satellite
In the context of spaceflight, a satellite is an object which has been placed into orbit by human endeavour. Such objects are sometimes called artificial satellites to distinguish them from natural satellites such as the Moon....
s and launching facilities , and had the proclaimed goal of Israel entering the "club" of states with those abilities. In November 1982 the Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Yuval Ne'eman
Yuval Ne'eman
Yuval Ne'eman , was a renowned Israeli theoretical physicist, military scientist, and politician. He was a minister in the Israeli government in the 1980s and early 1990s.-Biography:...
, announced the formation of an agency which could coordinate and supervise a national space program
Space exploration
Space exploration is the use of space technology to explore outer space. Physical exploration of space is conducted both by human spaceflights and by robotic spacecraft....
.
In 1984 the National Space Knowledge Center was established in cooperation with Israel Aircraft Industries
Israel Aircraft Industries
Israel Aerospace Industries or IAI is Israel's prime aerospace and aviation manufacturer, producing aerial systems for both military and civilian usage. It has 16,000 employees as of 2007...
; a contract was signed between IAI
Israel Aircraft Industries
Israel Aerospace Industries or IAI is Israel's prime aerospace and aviation manufacturer, producing aerial systems for both military and civilian usage. It has 16,000 employees as of 2007...
and Ministry of Defence for the development of the needed infrastructure and of Israel's first observation satellite
Satellite
In the context of spaceflight, a satellite is an object which has been placed into orbit by human endeavour. Such objects are sometimes called artificial satellites to distinguish them from natural satellites such as the Moon....
. This came to fruition in 1988 when Israel launched the first in a series of Ofeq
Ofeq
Ofeq, also spelled Offek or Ofek is the designation of a series of Israeli reconnaissance satellites first launched in 1988. All Ofeq satellites have been carried on top of Shavit rockets from Palmachim Airbase in Israel, on the Mediterranean coast. The Low Earth Orbit satellites complete one...
satellites and thus became one of only a few nations in the world possessing an indigenous space launching capability (see timeline of first orbital launches by country). The project management at Israel Aircraft Industries
Israel Aircraft Industries
Israel Aerospace Industries or IAI is Israel's prime aerospace and aviation manufacturer, producing aerial systems for both military and civilian usage. It has 16,000 employees as of 2007...
was headed for many years by Dr. Moshe Bar-Lev.
Vision
The agency vision as defined by the guiding committee on July 27, 2005 states:"Space research and exploration is an essential instrument for the defense of life on Earth
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
; the lever for technological progress; the key to existing in a modern society; essential for developing an economy based on knowledge; and the central attraction for scientific and qualified human resources."
The vision is "to preserve and broaden the comparative advantage of Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
and to place it among the group of leading countries in the space research and exploration area."
The main goals for vision realization are:
- To build and to support satelliteSatelliteIn the context of spaceflight, a satellite is an object which has been placed into orbit by human endeavour. Such objects are sometimes called artificial satellites to distinguish them from natural satellites such as the Moon....
systems for space research and for EarthEarthEarth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
research from spaceSpaceSpace is the boundless, three-dimensional extent in which objects and events occur and have relative position and direction. Physical space is often conceived in three linear dimensions, although modern physicists usually consider it, with time, to be part of a boundless four-dimensional continuum...
. - To develop technologies, knowledge and scientific infrastructure (including laboratories and human resources) required for space research.
- To promote international cooperation in space research and explorationSpace explorationSpace exploration is the use of space technology to explore outer space. Physical exploration of space is conducted both by human spaceflights and by robotic spacecraft....
, and for strengthening the national interests of IsraelIsraelThe State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
. - To promote ties between IsraelIsraelThe State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
i societySocietyA society, or a human society, is a group of people related to each other through persistent relations, or a large social grouping sharing the same geographical or virtual territory, subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectations...
, space research, and explorationSpace explorationSpace exploration is the use of space technology to explore outer space. Physical exploration of space is conducted both by human spaceflights and by robotic spacecraft....
.
ISA has signed cooperation agreements with the space agencies of: USA (NASA
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
), France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
(CNES
CNES
The is the French government space agency . Established under President Charles de Gaulle in 1961, its headquarters are located in central Paris and it is under the supervision of the French Ministries of Defence and Research...
), Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
(CSA), India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
(ISRO), Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
(DLR
German Aerospace Center
The German Aerospace Center is the national centre for aerospace, energy and transportation research of the Federal Republic of Germany. It has multiple locations throughout Germany. Its headquarters are located in Cologne. It is engaged in a wide range of research and development projects in...
), Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
(NSAU), Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
(RKA), Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
(NIVR
Netherlands Agency for Aerospace Programmes
The Netherlands Agency for Aerospace Programmes was the official space-exploration agency of the Dutch government until 2009....
) and Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
(AEB
Brazilian Space Agency
The Brazilian Space Agency is the civilian authority in Brazil responsible for the country's burgeoning space program. It operates a spaceport at Alcântara and a rocket launch site at Barreira do Inferno...
).
Budget
The budget of the Israel Space Agency is approximately 6 million USD. This doesn't include funds allocated for the Venus Project (about 6 million USD) and the 70 million USD allocated annually for the Israeli military program. Commercial programs are managed on different budgets.Israeli launcher
- ShavitShavitShavit is a space launch vehicle produced by Israel to launch small satellites into low earth orbit. It was first launched on September 19, 1988 , making Israel the eighth country to have a space launch capability after the USSR, United States, France, Japan, People's Republic of China, United...
- Series of satellite launchers. It is used to launch OfeqOfeqOfeq, also spelled Offek or Ofek is the designation of a series of Israeli reconnaissance satellites first launched in 1988. All Ofeq satellites have been carried on top of Shavit rockets from Palmachim Airbase in Israel, on the Mediterranean coast. The Low Earth Orbit satellites complete one...
satellites.
Israeli satellites
- OfeqOfeqOfeq, also spelled Offek or Ofek is the designation of a series of Israeli reconnaissance satellites first launched in 1988. All Ofeq satellites have been carried on top of Shavit rockets from Palmachim Airbase in Israel, on the Mediterranean coast. The Low Earth Orbit satellites complete one...
- Series of reconnaissance satellites. The first of these was launched from the PalmachimPalmachimPalmachim is a kibbutz in central Israel. Located about ten kilometers south of the Tel Aviv area along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, among the sand dunes, it falls under the jurisdiction of Gan Raveh Regional Council...
site on September 19, 1988. - AmosAmos (satellite)AMOS is a name for a series of Israeli communications satellites. All AMOS satellites are operated by Spacecom and are developed by its partner, Israel Aerospace Industries ....
- Series of communications satellites - ErosEROS (satellite)Earth Resources Observation Satellite is a series of Israeli commercial Earth observation satellites, designed and manufactured by Israel Aircraft Industries , with optical payload supplied by El-Op. The satellites are owned and operated by ImageSat International, another Israeli company, with...
- Series of observation satellitesEarth observation satelliteEarth observation satellites are satellites specifically designed to observe Earth from orbit, similar to reconnaissance satellites but intended for non-military uses such as environmental monitoring, meteorology, map making etc.... - Techsat - Researching satellite launched by the Technion
- TechSAR - a SARSynthetic aperture radarSynthetic-aperture radar is a form of radar whose defining characteristic is its use of relative motion between an antenna and its target region to provide distinctive long-term coherent-signal variations that are exploited to obtain finer spatial resolution than is possible with conventional...
-based observation satellite. - Sloshsat - microsatellite for investigation of dynamics of fluids in microgravity. In association with RAFAELRAFAEL Armament Development AuthorityRafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. , known as RAFAEL or Rafael, is an Israeli defense technology company...
, Fokker Space laboratories, NIVRNetherlands Agency for Aerospace ProgrammesThe Netherlands Agency for Aerospace Programmes was the official space-exploration agency of the Dutch government until 2009....
, NLR and others.
Satellites in development
- Venus - Development, assembly and launching of a scientific microsatellite for EarthEarthEarth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
research. In association with IsraelIsraelThe State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
i governmentGovernmentGovernment refers to the legislators, administrators, and arbitrators in the administrative bureaucracy who control a state at a given time, and to the system of government by which they are organized...
, IAIIsrael Aircraft IndustriesIsrael Aerospace Industries or IAI is Israel's prime aerospace and aviation manufacturer, producing aerial systems for both military and civilian usage. It has 16,000 employees as of 2007...
, Elbit SystemsElbit SystemsElbit Systems Ltd. is one of the world's largest defense electronics manufacturers and integrators. Established in 1967, and based in Haifa, Israel, Elbit employs 11,000 people worldwide....
, RAFAELRAFAEL Armament Development AuthorityRafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. , known as RAFAEL or Rafael, is an Israeli defense technology company...
and FrenchFranceThe French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
space agency (CNESCNESThe is the French government space agency . Established under President Charles de Gaulle in 1961, its headquarters are located in central Paris and it is under the supervision of the French Ministries of Defence and Research...
). - TAUVEXTAUVEXThe Tel Aviv University Ultraviolet Explorer, or TAUVEX, is a space telescope array designed and constructed in Israel for Tel Aviv University by El-Op, Electro-Optical Industries, Ltd. acting as Prime Contractor, for the exploration of the ultraviolet sky...
- Production and launching of a space telescope in UV range for astronomical observation from the space. In association with Israeli government, Elbit SystemsElbit SystemsElbit Systems Ltd. is one of the world's largest defense electronics manufacturers and integrators. Established in 1967, and based in Haifa, Israel, Elbit employs 11,000 people worldwide....
, IndiaIndiaIndia , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
n space agency (ISRO). - OPsat - the new generation optical observation satellite.
- INSAT-1 and INSAT-2 - 2 nano-satellites developed by INSA - Israeli Nano Satellite AssociationIsraeli Nano Satellite Association- History :In 2004 a group of young space engineers and scientists from leading companies and universities in Israel, started studying nanosatellites constellations and applications.INSA - the Israeli Nano Satellite Association was founded in 2006 by this group....
.
Commercial Space Arena
Since the launching of that first satellite, Israel has developed into a significant player in the commercial space arena. In 1989, it launched OfeqOfeq
Ofeq, also spelled Offek or Ofek is the designation of a series of Israeli reconnaissance satellites first launched in 1988. All Ofeq satellites have been carried on top of Shavit rockets from Palmachim Airbase in Israel, on the Mediterranean coast. The Low Earth Orbit satellites complete one...
-2; in April 1995, it took a leap forward with the launch of Ofeq-3, which carried an advanced electro-optical payload built by Israeli industry for local purposes. Ofeq-3 has been functioning without a hitch. Following a setback with Ofeq-4, Ofeq-5 was successfully launched in May 2002.
On May 16, 1996, a French-built vehicle launched the commercial satellite Amos
Amos
-First name:* Amos , one of the twelve minor prophets in the Hebrew Bible**Book of Amos, his writings* Amos, son of Nephi and his son Amos, two minor figures in the Book of Mormon...
, developed by the Israel Aircraft Industries
Israel Aircraft Industries
Israel Aerospace Industries or IAI is Israel's prime aerospace and aviation manufacturer, producing aerial systems for both military and civilian usage. It has 16,000 employees as of 2007...
, into the sky. The Amos is distinguished for its light weight and sophisticated technology.
Israel is also actively involved in the TAUVEX
TAUVEX
The Tel Aviv University Ultraviolet Explorer, or TAUVEX, is a space telescope array designed and constructed in Israel for Tel Aviv University by El-Op, Electro-Optical Industries, Ltd. acting as Prime Contractor, for the exploration of the ultraviolet sky...
(Tel Aviv University Ultra Violet Explorer), developed by an Israeli hi-tech firm. TAUVEX is a cluster of three bore-sighted 20-cm telescopes for observation in the ultra-violet funded by the Israel Space Agency. It was due to be launched by India on-board the ISRO satellite GSAT-4
GSAT-4
GSAT-4, also known as HealthSat, was an experimental communication and navigation satellite launched in April 2010 by the Indian Space Research Organisation on the maiden flight of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk.II rocket. It failed to reach orbit after the rocket's third stage...
satellite but due to a mis-match between the capabilities of the launched and the mass of the satellite, ISRO decided unilaterally to remove TAUVEX from GSAT-4.
Other local projects include the Techsat, a satellite developed by the Technion, and the pending manufacture of the David, a commercial remote sensing satellite developed jointly by an Israeli hi-tech company and a German firm. Tel Aviv University
Tel Aviv University
Tel Aviv University is a public university located in Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel. With nearly 30,000 students, TAU is Israel's largest university.-History:...
is conducting research based on G.P.S.T. (global positioning system technology); Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is at work along with a private company on desert research and ground humidity; and Bar-Ilan University makes use of imaging techniques to seek surface saline concentrations.
Israeli Space Industry
ISA, the Israeli Industry and Academy are all involved in different stages of research, development, construction, launching and operating in a series of programs. This page contains information regarding the Israeli Space Industry.The main contractor of the "Ofeq
Ofeq
Ofeq, also spelled Offek or Ofek is the designation of a series of Israeli reconnaissance satellites first launched in 1988. All Ofeq satellites have been carried on top of Shavit rockets from Palmachim Airbase in Israel, on the Mediterranean coast. The Low Earth Orbit satellites complete one...
", "Eros" space programs is the IAI Mabat factory in Yahud. The Mabat facility includes the Experiment and Integration Center as well as the ground monitoring and control stations and the remote satellites receiving stations.
Many of the high-tech companies are involved in the various space programs in Israel, and in manufacturing sub-systems and components.
The IAI Electronics Group
The IAI Electronics Group is one of the best of the electronic systems manufacturer for security and space systems.
The group was also the main contractor for the assembling of the Ofek, Amos and Eros Satellites, and provides a wide range of products, such as: preliminary planning, detailed planning, program execution, and full logistic support.
The group includes four factories:
- EltaEltaELTA Systems LTD is an Israeli provider of defense products and services specializing in radar, C4ISTAR, RF, SIGINT and EW products.Elta, a group and subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries, is one of Israel's major defence electronics companies specializing in a variety of fields...
- Mabat
- Tamam
- Malam
These factories, with all their various abilities and technologies, are active for years in developing and manufacturing products and systems in the field of space systems development especially for military purposes, even though on recently years they have entered the international civilian space industry scene, with the assistance of ISA.
Thanks to the substantial resources invested in these factories and the skilled manpower, the Electronics can plan, develop and manufacture space platform and mounted subsystem. The group is ready to provide satellite systems with top performance, using the Turnkey method.
IAI - Mabat
Mabat's Space Technologies Administration was chosen by ISA to be the main contractor for Israel's national space programs. This administration includes, in one framework, all the engineering capabilities required for developing and constructing satellites, including full integration and performance tests. In addition, the administration also provides operational capabilities including surveillance, control and monitoring station, as well as multi-satellite ground stations for remote sensing.
The Space Technologies Administration in the Mabat factory is responsible for developing and manufacturing satellites in IAI (Until today, all satellites developed and constructed by Israel were developed in the Mabat factory, excluding the Technion's TECHSAT satellite.)
The Administration also operates satellite receiving stations, from where it can controls the Ofek, Amos and Eros satellites.
In addition, a RIMS (Ranging and Integrity Monitoring Station) ground station will be constructed, as a part of the satellite-based navigational array constructed by the ESA.
IAI – Malam
Malam is one of the four factories in the IAI Electronics Group. The factory is very experienced in development, assembling, testing and operating system for use in space.
The Malam factory has developed the "Shavit
Shavit
Shavit is a space launch vehicle produced by Israel to launch small satellites into low earth orbit. It was first launched on September 19, 1988 , making Israel the eighth country to have a space launch capability after the USSR, United States, France, Japan, People's Republic of China, United...
" launcher which allows low-cost and high-reliability launch of micro/mini satellites to a Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
The development of the "Shavit" began on 1983 and its operational capabilities were proven on three successful launches of the Ofek satellites on September 19, 1988, April 3, 1990 and April 5 , 1995.
The "Shavit" is a triple-stage launcher. The first and second stage engines are manufactured by Ta'as, and use solid fuel. The third stage engines are manufactured by Raphael. Recently, Malam is trying to insert the Shavit launcher and more advanced models of the launcher to the international space industry market.
Raphael (Hebrew abbreviation for Weapon Systems Development Authority)
Raphael's propulsion department is the propulsion systems supplier for Israel's space projects. Raphael was chosen to develop, test and manufacture the advanced engine for the "Shavit" launcher's third stage engines, and the engines used for the navigation of the "Ofek" satellites into orbit.
Raphael's contribution for Israel's space activity is manifested in development and manufacture of the third stage engine of the "Shavit
Shavit
Shavit is a space launch vehicle produced by Israel to launch small satellites into low earth orbit. It was first launched on September 19, 1988 , making Israel the eighth country to have a space launch capability after the USSR, United States, France, Japan, People's Republic of China, United...
" satellite launcher, a solid fuel engine made from titanium. This engine is considered one of the most advanced technology in the world.
The second significant contribution is the small hydrazine engines which are used for precise navigation procedure in the "Shavit" launcher, and the various satellites.
Raphael, with the direct and indirect assistance of ISA, was integrated in the international space industry market, in several projects like SLOSHSAT and other small French satellite projects.
El-Op Electro-optic Industries
El-op's developments include one of the best space cameras in the world, integrated in the "Ofek" and "ERDS" satellites.
Along with scientists from the University of Tel-Aviv, El-Op developed a space telescope for sub-violet spectrum range – TAUVEX
TAUVEX
The Tel Aviv University Ultraviolet Explorer, or TAUVEX, is a space telescope array designed and constructed in Israel for Tel Aviv University by El-Op, Electro-Optical Industries, Ltd. acting as Prime Contractor, for the exploration of the ultraviolet sky...
), which was first supposed to be launched on the Russian-International satellite Spectrum Rontgen-Gamma (SRG), as part of an international astronomy observations program. Delays with SRG caused a search for an alternative launch, found in the form of India's ISRO GSAT-4
GSAT-4
GSAT-4, also known as HealthSat, was an experimental communication and navigation satellite launched in April 2010 by the Indian Space Research Organisation on the maiden flight of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk.II rocket. It failed to reach orbit after the rocket's third stage...
satellite. Reduced capability of the indigenous cryogenic fourth stage of the GSLV launcher required a mass reduction of the GSAT-4 satellite that was realized partly by removing TAUVEX.
Other activities include the development of the miniature horizon cameras for micro and mini satellites. The Technion's satellite, Gurwin-2-TechSAT is equipped with a El-Op low-resolution camera.
El-op has also developed, with ISA direct and indirect support, a multi-spectral camera, which could capture a 12-colored image in a 5-meter resolution, for commercial purposes.
El-op developed the TAUVEX space telescope for Tel Aviv University, under contract with the Ministry of Science (sometimes known also as the Ministry of Technology, or of Sport and Culture, depending on the political coalition in power).
Cooperation with the Academy
The Israel Space Agency strives to promote space research and space technology development as a part of the effort to promote the Israeli scientific research.Furthermore, ISA works to strengthen the R&D relations in the field of space between Israeli researchers and researchers from abroad.
The advancement of research and development in the field of space requires the strengthening of scientific and technological knowledge centers, based on concentrating manpower with special capabilities, and in many cases it also requires significant financial investments for equipment and new and special facilities.
In order to enable the advancement and execution of work plans and development programs in this field, which strengthen and advance Israel's space-related capabilities, the Ministry has initiated, via ISA, the establishment of new knowledge centers, committing to aid in their regular budgeting.
The knowledge centers committed themselves to provide services in their specialized field of science to the entire R&D system (Israel and worldwide), including the industrial sector. These centers will also provide scientific and technological support to ISA, and advise ISA in establishing its policy and programs for international and national activity.
The Knowledge Centers sponsored by ISA:
There are currently 3 Knowledge Centers sponsored by ISA, spread across the country, in cooperation with researchers from the Tel-AvivUniversity, in various fields.
EOSDIS
This research, headed by Prof. PinhasAlpert, is funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology as a part of the Space Scientific and Technological Infrastructure Development program. The research is at its fifth year of activity.
The junction was initiated by NASA and according to NASA's director's request, as a part of the cooperation agreement between the director of NASA and the director of ISA, signed on October 1996.
The KnowledgeCenter, or "The NASA Junction", is site that links NASA and Israeli researchers in the field of Remote Sensing, Planetary Research, and Climate and Environmental Changes.
The Junction is also integrated in NASA's global Information System: Earth Observing Science Data and Information System, which contains Remote Sensing Data from NASA and NOAA satellites, and data from other sources like meteorological RADAR and readings from meteorological stations.
The Junction is the only source in the country which focuses on collecting and preserving environmental information in Israel, which is linked to NASA, and which provides information to the scientific community and to the public in general. The Junction provides free access to NASA's data, and access for worldwide clients to data collected in Israel. This information is critical for environmental and water related research, especially in light of the drastic global environmental changes and global warming.
The Junction was established by using money from the University of Tel-Aviv and ---. On the first stage, ISA aided in operating the junction, as a part of the "Researchers Funding" program. We are now at a transformation stage that will enable the funding of the project as a knowledge center.
Knowledge Center for Cosmic Radiation
This research is headed by Dr. Gideon Bela and Prof. Lev Dorman from the University of Tel-Aviv. It is the second year the center operating. The observatory is located on mount Hermon, and is funded by Tel-AvivUniversity's Research Authority and the Lab for Data Processing in Katzerin.
The goal of the center is to monitor and forecast dangerous meteorological and space phenomena: Solar radiation storms and shockwaves between very powerful stars creating magnetic storms. These phenomena can endanger electronic systems in satellites and space shuttles, the astronauts' health, electronic and navigational systems in aircraft flying in extremely high altitudes and ground power systems.
The Cosmic Radiation Observatory named after Emilio Sagara was donated by the Italian Space Agency
Italian Space Agency
The Italian Space Agency is a government agency established in 1988 to fund, regulate and coordinate space exploration activities in Italy...
, and it is located on Mount Hermon.
Technical Knowledge Center on Near Earth Objects
This center is headed by Dr. Noah Brosch from Tel Aviv University
Tel Aviv University
Tel Aviv University is a public university located in Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel. With nearly 30,000 students, TAU is Israel's largest university.-History:...
and operates the two telescopes of the Wise Observatory
Wise Observatory
The Florence and George Wise Observatory is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by Tel-Aviv University. It is located 5 km west of the city of Mitzpe Ramon in the Negev desert near the edge of the Ramon Crater, and it is the only professional astronomical observatory in...
to study minor bodies in the Solar System
Solar System
The Solar System consists of the Sun and the astronomical objects gravitationally bound in orbit around it, all of which formed from the collapse of a giant molecular cloud approximately 4.6 billion years ago. The vast majority of the system's mass is in the Sun...
. Following the cessation of funding from ISA, the asteroid
Asteroid
Asteroids are a class of small Solar System bodies in orbit around the Sun. They have also been called planetoids, especially the larger ones...
studies are continuing at the Wise Observatory
Wise Observatory
The Florence and George Wise Observatory is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by Tel-Aviv University. It is located 5 km west of the city of Mitzpe Ramon in the Negev desert near the edge of the Ramon Crater, and it is the only professional astronomical observatory in...
with no specific financial support.
Near Earth Objects are comets or asteroids (small planets), which could, theoretically collide with the Earth in their orbit. If these objects are larger than 50 meters or so, their impacts could result in sever damage and even total annihilation (as in the case of the asteroid
Asteroid
Asteroids are a class of small Solar System bodies in orbit around the Sun. They have also been called planetoids, especially the larger ones...
that hit 65 million years ago, annihilating the majority of species living on Earth).
NEO research is conducted in several countries, and their goal is to map the objects which pose a threat and to find a solution which will enable us to eradicate it.
For this purpose, a special wide-field 0.46-m telescope was acquired by Tel Aviv University
Tel Aviv University
Tel Aviv University is a public university located in Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel. With nearly 30,000 students, TAU is Israel's largest university.-History:...
and is operating at the Wise Observatory
Wise Observatory
The Florence and George Wise Observatory is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by Tel-Aviv University. It is located 5 km west of the city of Mitzpe Ramon in the Negev desert near the edge of the Ramon Crater, and it is the only professional astronomical observatory in...
located near Mitzpe Ramon
Mitzpe Ramon
Mitzpe Ramon is a town in the Negev desert of southern Israel. It is situated on the northern ridge at an elevation of 860 meters overlooking a sizable erosion cirque known as the Ramon Crater.-History:...
. The telescope facilitated the discovery of several tens of new asteroids.
Israeli astronaut
Ilan Ramon
Ilan Ramon was a fighter pilot in the Israeli Air Force, and later the first Israeli astronaut....
was Israel's first astronaut
Astronaut
An astronaut or cosmonaut is a person trained by a human spaceflight program to command, pilot, or serve as a crew member of a spacecraft....
. Ramon was the space shuttle
Space Shuttle
The Space Shuttle was a manned orbital rocket and spacecraft system operated by NASA on 135 missions from 1981 to 2011. The system combined rocket launch, orbital spacecraft, and re-entry spaceplane with modular add-ons...
payload specialist onboard the fatal STS-107
STS-107
-Mission parameters:*Mass:**Orbiter Liftoff: **Orbiter Landing: **Payload: *Perigee: *Apogee: *Inclination: 39.0°*Period: 90.1 min- Insignia :...
mission of Space Shuttle Columbia
Space Shuttle Columbia
Space Shuttle Columbia was the first spaceworthy Space Shuttle in NASA's orbital fleet. First launched on the STS-1 mission, the first of the Space Shuttle program, it completed 27 missions before being destroyed during re-entry on February 1, 2003 near the end of its 28th, STS-107. All seven crew...
, in which he and the six other crew members were killed in a re-entry accident
Space Shuttle Columbia disaster
The Space Shuttle Columbia disaster occurred on February 1, 2003, when shortly before it was scheduled to conclude its 28th mission, STS-107, the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated over Texas and Louisiana during re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, resulting in the death of all seven crew members...
over southern Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
. Ramon had been selected as a Payload Specialist
Payload Specialist
A Payload Specialist ' was an individual selected and trained by commercial or research organizations for flights of a specific payload on a NASA Space Shuttle mission...
in 1997 and trained at the Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
Houston, Texas
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, and the largest city in the state of Texas. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city had a population of 2.1 million people within an area of . Houston is the seat of Harris County and the economic center of , which is the ...
, from 1998 until 2003, for a mission with a payload that included a multispectral camera for recording desert aerosol
Aerosol
Technically, an aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas. Examples are clouds, and air pollution such as smog and smoke. In general conversation, aerosol usually refers to an aerosol spray can or the output of such a can...
(dust).