Israeli Space Program: Assessing the Civilian Space Program Over the Last Decade
Israeli Space Program: Assessing the Civilian Space Program Over the Last Decade
- Deganit PaikowskyDeganit PaikowskyHebrew University of Jerusalem
- , and Avi BlasbergerAvi BlasbergerIsrael Space Agency
Summary
Over the past decade, economic trends in global space activity advanced greater commercialization and prompted established spacefaring nations to rapidly adapt their space strategies and programs. This is an underresearched area, especially concerning small states. Following a 2008 industry crisis, Israel’s space program, initially driven by national security concerns in the 1980s, experienced a need to shift toward greater scientific and commercial activities to assure its local space industry is sustainable and competitive. A 2010 national task force recommended that the Israel Space Agency (ISA) implement an initiative to foster a national space ecosystem, using the existing developed assets and by transitioning away from a state-centric model. For a decade, the ISA attempted to do so. The ISA followed the task force’s plan, promoting civilian and commercial activities. However, success has been partial. Financial limitations and a lack of national space prioritization hinder the ISA’s program’s full potential. Thus, the Israeli space ecosystem remains modest, falling short of ambitious economic goals.
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Subjects
- Planetary Science Policy and Planning