‘It’s good to be an Israeli Woman in Space!’
Israel is set to send its first woman astronaut into space, following an agreement with NASA announced by Israel’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Gila Gamliel at the 20th Ilan Ramon International Space Conference in Tel Aviv.
The historic announcement was made during the conference, which highlighted Israel’s expanding space partnerships, including a new lunar mission agreement with Italy. Israel’s ascent to space stands as one of the most remarkable technological achievements of the modern era.
On September 19, 1988, Israel launched its first satellite, Ofeq-1, from a site along the Mediterranean coast, becoming the eighth country in the world to achieve independent launch capability.
The Ofeq series of satellites became the foundation of Israel’s space program, leading to advanced Earth observation satellites and communications systems. In 2019, the private SpaceIL initiative launched Beresheet, making Israel the seventh country to orbit the Moon before the spacecraft crashed during its landing attempt.
With Beresheet 2 planned and Israel’s first woman astronaut set to make history, Israelis young and old alike will soon turn their eyes skyward with renewed wonder and pride at their nation’s expanding footprint among the stars.
The announcement aligns with Israel’s ongoing efforts to enhance its international collaborations in space exploration, particularly with countries involved in the Abraham Accords, such as the United Arab Emirates.
The conference is named after Ilan Ramon, Israel’s first astronaut, who tragically died in the Columbia space shuttle disaster in 2003. Israel President Isaac Herzog highlighted Israel’s growing role in global space initiatives and reiterated the importance of international partnerships in advancing space technology and exploration.
Future prospects include a collaboration with Israeli high school students who are preparing to launch nine nano-satellites aboard SpaceX rockets in March 2025. This groundbreaking initiative marks a pivotal moment for Israel’s representation in space exploration and underscores the nation’s commitment to advancing gender equality within scientific fields.
The 20th Ilan Ramon International Space Conference (Video timestamps)
Celebrating 20 years, the Ramon Conference highlights the resilience of Israel’s space industry, even during these challenging times for our country. This year’s hybrid event unites leaders to tackle challenges, share achievements, and explore new opportunities.
0:00 Start
9:09 Welcome Video Clip
11:55 Formal Opening
15:19 Greetings – Mr. Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel (Video)
20:28 Greetings – Ms. Gila Gamliel, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology
35:29 Memorial Ceremony – Space Shuttle Columbia 21st Year Anniversary
43:35 Hope in Space: High School Students Building the Future
53:52 Main Speech – Prof. Dan Blumberg, Chairman of the Israel Space Agency
1:13:05 Greetings – Mr. James Free, NASA Associate Administrator (Video)
1:16:35 2024 In Space – A Year in Review – Mr. Tal Inbar, Strategic Aerospace Research
1:28:36 Break
1:54:20 Panel: Innovation, Collaboration and Challenges in National Space Programs: A Global Perspective on Space Development
Panel Leader: Mrs. Nili Shalev, CEO, Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute
Panelists:
Mr. Uri Oron, Director, ISA
Prof. Teodoro Valente, President, ASI
Dr. Christian Feichtinger, Executive Director, IAF
Dr. Jacob Cohen, Chief Scientist at NASA Ames Research Center
3:12:12 Fireside Chat – Exploring Future Trends for Space Tech: Nvidia as a Springboard for Israel’s New Space Ecosystem
Chair: Prof. Isaac Ben-Israel
Former Chairman of the Israel Space Agency
Hosts Mr. Nathi Amsterdam, Senior Country Director, Nvidia Israel
3:26:25 The BIG Space Debate
Debate Moderator: Mr. Tal Inbar, Strategic Aerospace Research
Panelists:
Mr. Ehud Hayun, VP of Engineering, ImageSat International (ISI)
Ms. Vera Gutman, Head of Software Engineering, ImageSat International (ISI)
3:47:01 Lunch Break
4:31:35 The First International Space Olympics – Mr. Imran Mukhtarov, Head of Space Academy, Azercosmos
4:38:47 AI as a Game Changer in Accelerating the Space Industry
Panel Leader: Mr, Bar Chayun, Content Manager, Israel Space Agency
Panelists:
Mr. Amir Gaver, Deputy Managing Director & EVP of Operations, Astroscale Israel
Ms. Inbal Kreiss, Chief Innovation Officer, Israel Aerospace Industries
Prof. Ran Ginosar, President, Ramon.Space
Jean-Yves Le Gall, IAF Honorary Ambassador
5:18:06 Eye in the Sky: Israel’s Hazard Detection Breakthrough, and How it Could Lead to a New Era in Environmental Protection
Panel Leader: Mr. Bar Chayun, Content Manager, Israel Space Agency
Panelists:
Mr. Elad Sagi, Senior Technology Advisor, Israel Space Agency
5:35:02 Panel: Harnessing Energy In & Out of Space
Panel Leader: Mr. Shon Dana, CEO, Ignite the Spark
Panelists:
Ms. Lilach Danewitz, Director of Strategy & Partnerships, NTT’s Israeli Innovation Arm
Mr. Oded Gour-Lavie, CEO and Co-founder nT-Tao
Ms. Moran Haviv, Strategic Innovation, Microsoft
6:12:25 National Space Law in Israel, Challenges and Opportunities
Panel Leader: Ms. Naama Margolis, Partner, Head of Global Trade Control, Aerospace, and Defense Practice, Shibolet & Co.
Panelists:
Mr. David Zusiman, Satellite Constellation Program Manager
Mr. Ofir Azriel, CEO, Astroscale Israel
Adv. Ortal Hazut, Head of Business Development, Israel Space Agency
6:46:28 National Space Law in Israel, Challenges and Opportunities
Panel Leader: Ms. Naama Margolis, Partner, Head of Global Trade Control, Aerospace, and Defense Panelists:
Mr. David Zusiman, Satellite Constellation Program Manager
Mr. Ofir Azriel, CEO, Astroscale Israel
Adv. Ortal Hazut, Head of Business Development, Israel Space Agency
7.28:04 Close of Plenary