Israeli Space Week is set to conclude on Thursday, after commencing on Sunday, having featured various events, space fairs, exhibitions, conferences, stargazing, and hands-on activities.
This is the 13th Israeli Space Week, a central national event that promotes Israel's space sector. It brings together sectors of industry, research, government, education, and culture, highlighting the achievements of Israeli and global space industries, and increasing accessibility to the field.
The highlight of the week is the 21st International Ilan Ramon Space Conference, which hosts an international delegation of 9 astronauts from around the world, alongside senior leaders from the global space industry, NASA executives, researchers, and other professionals.
This year's conference focused on human spaceflight, including training the next generation of astronauts, commercial space stations, the Artemis missions, and humanity’s return to the moon.
Led by the Israeli Space Agency at the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Space Week emphasizes Israel’s significant role on the international stage of space exploration.
'A statement of strength, resilience'
Gila Gamliel, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, described the event as “a statement of strength and resilience.”
She explained its importance, commenting that “the fact that senior leaders of the global space industry and an unprecedented group of astronauts are choosing to come to Israel testifies to the centrality of Israeli technology and the international confidence in the power of our local industry.”
The event is considered a significant milestone after two years of war and complex national challenges. It emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and highlights Israel’s role in space exploration and science.
Key Events to attend
Events are being held across the country, with main venues in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Herzliya, Netanya, and Haifa.
From Sunday to Thursday, family-friendly space fairs with shows, exhibitions, and free interactive activities are being held nationwide. There are also experiences combining science, hands-on activities, and youth programs at 15 observatories and space centers across Israel.
The opening cultural event, “A View of Space,” was held at the Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv on Sunday, using theatrical interpretations to explore the concept of space.
On Monday, the exhibition “Beyond the Sky” was opened at the Bloomfield Science Museum in Jerusalem.
The week’s main professional event, the 21st annual Ilan Ramon International Space Conference, was held on Wednesday at Tel Aviv University.
Astronaut Eytan Stibbe, who is leading a delegation of 8 international astronauts at the conference, explained, “During Israeli Space Week, we will highlight the importance and potential of Israeli participation in international initiatives.”
“Special events will open opportunities in research, technology, and education, and encourage personal meetings and connections.”