Prof. Dan Blumberg appointed Chairman of Israel Space Agency

The appointment to this voluntary position, made in accordance with the government's resolution, stating that the Israel Space Agency Chairman is required to be a reputable space scientist. As part of his role, Blumberg will lead the Agency's Advisory Committee. 

 

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Orit Farkash-Hacohen: "I thank Prof. Yitzhak Ben-Israel for his long service as Chairman of the Space Agency, his contribution to the Agency and the advancement of the civilian space industry. I wish every success to Prof. Dan Blumberg, the Space Agency’s incoming Chairman , who will work with Agency Director Uri Oron to continue promoting the industry, which is undergoing a commercial, potentially reality-changing revolution. Good luck!"

 

Prof. Dan Blumberg, elected Chairman of the Israel Space Agency: "The State of Israel is a member of the small and prestigious group of countries with space access. Just as it knew how to leverage other issues, there is no doubt that this field will also be translated into economic and social growth. It is a great honor for me to fulfill this role, and I would like to express my appreciation for Prof. Yitzhak Ben-Israel’s tremendous work."

 

Prof. Dan Blumberg is Vice President for Regional and Industrial Development at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, with a Ph.D. in Planetary Geology from the University of Arizona. He chairs the Planetary Remote Sensing Laboratory, which serves as one of NASA's regional laboratories; is a co-investigator in NASA's Spaceborne Radar Laboratory experimental flights incorporating radar systems on the space shuttle (SRL); and leads many studies in this field. Prof. Blumberg also led the BGU–IAI collaboration to build BGUSAT, an Israeli nanosatellite that is still in space. He serves as a member of the International Academy of Astronautics.

 

The Israeli Space Agency at the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology is responsible for initiating, leading and coordinating the Israeli civilian space program. The Agency supports scientific research and development with real economic potential, such as the development of unique and innovative technologies, based on the perception that engaging in the field of space contributes to the Israeli economy, to establishing its international position and to the welfare of its residents in agriculture, communications, monitoring environmental pollution and research aspects. The Agency works to expand collaborations and interactions with various countries in the field of space, promote infrastructure research in academic and research institutions; invest in startups that develop various components for the domestic and foreign space industries; develop and build satellites for civilian purposes and support the development of innovative and unique space technologies in the space industries; nurture the future scientist reserve in the field of space exploration using space education and community projects, and strengthen the affiliation of children and youths with the field of space, so that they can satisfy the great natural curiosity this field stimulates and expand their knowledge and interest.