BGU | The Sky is No Limit

systems installed on satellites and aircraft for an almost infinite number of purposes. It was Blumberg who led the BGU team that developed the BGUSAT nanosatellite in cooperation with Israeli Aerospace Industries (see page 19). He is a member of the International Academy of Astronautics and one of the founders of the Earth and Planetary Image Facility at BGU, which also serves as one of NASA's regional

laboratories. Another of Blumberg’s research interests is using radar systems and hyperspectral systems for environmental and agricultural research. As such, he participated in NASA's testing of different radar systems on the Space Shuttle. Blumberg is the third scientist to take up the mantle of Chair of the Israel Space Agency, following in the footsteps of the late Prof. Yuval

Ne’eman and Prof. Yitzhak Ben Yisrael. Together with the current Director of the Agency, Uri Oron, Blumberg works to promote Israel’s space industry in a variety of domains. And by the way, the previous Director of the Israel Space Agency was Avi Blasberger, another alumnus of Ben-Gurion University.

Prof. Dan Blumberg with NASA astronaut Michael R. Barratt, at the annual Ilan and Assaf Ramon memorial event, 2018

“Israel belongs to a small and prestigious group of countries that have access to space. Just as the state knew how to leverage other issues, I have no doubt that this field will also translate into economic and social growth.”

All about the Israel Space Agency

The Israel Space Agency was established by government decree in 1983 and operates within the framework of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology. The Agency initiates, leads and coordinates civilian space activity in Israel. No realm of space is too obscure: representatives of the Agency recently sat down with members of the Academy of the Hebrew Language to decide on a Hebrew term for "space launch system": marki’a. Language aside, the Israel Space Agency plays a key role in fostering Israel’s aerospace industry, with the

understanding that this industry contributes to the country’s global status, its economy, and its overall resilience. A key focus is expanding Israel’s international aerospace partnerships and collaborations. In addition to extensive cooperation with NASA over the past 30 years, the Israel Space Agency has signed agreements with France, Germany, India, Canada, Russia, Brazil, and the Netherlands. A joint project with Italy, for example, led to the development of communication satellites, and in January 2022, Israel joined Artemis – the US-led manned space program, which aims to land

humans on the moon in 2025. More broadly, the Agency works to position Israel among the leading countries in space exploration and exploitation. It supports both foundational research in academia and entrepreneurial R&D of innovative space technologies. In particular, it has supported the development and construction of satellites for civilian purposes such as precision agriculture, communications, monitoring the environment, and other areas important to the well-being of Israel’s residents.

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