The 19th Ilan Ramon International Space Conference closed yesterday (Wednesday) at the Israel Air Force House in Herzliya after being attended by, among others, the head of the Italian Space Agency (ASI), Prof. Teodoro Valente, NASA Ames Chief Scientist Mr. Jacob Cohen and the Director General of the International Astronautics Federation, Christian Feichtinger.
The International Space Conference is the largest professional meeting in Israel dealing with space issues, attended by senior figures in the Israeli and global space industry as well as representatives of foreign space agencies. In the shadow of the war, this year's conference opened with a minute of silence in memory of the 1,300 victims of the war. Empty chairs were placed in the front rows, awaiting the return of the hostages and those missing since October 7.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Ofir Akunis said: "At this time when we are all facing cruel enemies, Space Week was held to mark the challenges in the Israeli innovation industry – including the space industry. The huge demand for participation in the international conference as well as in events open to the public for free are proof of the victory of the creative and groundbreaking Israeli spirit at all times. We expect that demand and investment in the Israeli space industry will increase significantly in the near future with Israel's victory in the war."
Bill Nelson, head of NASA, sent a recorded greeting and said of his friend Ilan Ramon: "As the first Israeli astronaut, Ilan became a trailblazer, and his heritage will continue to inspire future generations of space explorers. Israel is at the forefront of technology and innovation, and these will expand knowledge in the field of space for humanity. NASA is excited to partner Israel in the field of ULTRASAT (artificial satellite), the first telescope project of the Israel Space Agency to discover new science about our solar systems."
President of Israel, Isaac Herzog sent a recorded greeting: "This year, the 19th Ilan Ramon International Space Conference was held under the theme of 'Together for the Technologies of the Future.' Israel's scientific and innovative strengths rely on close cooperation between the countries for the transfer of knowledge and the promotion of common goals. Joint ventures in space with the UAE and the Kingdom of Morocco show the endless possibilities for business collaboration and academic research essential for the development of space in Israel, and that are at our disposal as we collaborate and dream big."