New Delhi: In a landmark achievement for Israel’s space education program, nine miniature satellites designed and developed by Israeli high school students have been successfully launched into space, the Israel Space Agency (ISA) confirmed on Sunday.
Described by the ISA as “the largest Israeli satellite constellation built by students in nine municipalities,” the satellites were launched aboard a SpaceX rocket from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base. According to SpaceX, the launch took place at 8:43 a.m. local time, Xinhua News Agency reported.
Among the nine satellites is a historic first — a satellite developed by students from Israel’s Druze community, marking the launch of the first-ever Druze satellite. The satellites have been deployed into an orbit approximately 500 km above Earth, where they are expected to remain operational for the next three years. Their primary mission is to measure cosmic radiation and study its impact on electronic components, the ISA stated in a separate release on its website.
The satellite development was part of the “TEVEL 2” national project, spearheaded by the ISA and Tel Aviv University, with a total budget of 10.5 million shekels (approximately $2.88 million). The initiative aims to promote science and technology education among diverse Israeli communities while providing equal opportunities for students across the country.
The project includes the establishment of satellite communication stations that enable students to monitor mission data and manage satellite operations in real-time.
“This is a winning combination of scientific excellence, technological education, and societal integration,” said Uri Oron, Director of the Israel Space Agency. He emphasized that the TEVEL 2 project underscores Israel’s commitment to fostering innovation and nurturing the next generation of space scientists and engineers.
“These satellites will not only generate crucial scientific data but will also serve as a beacon of inspiration for Israeli youth, encouraging them to explore careers in space and technology,” Oron added.
The satellites are designed to operate for about three years, during which they will contribute to both scientific research and educational outreach, reinforcing Israel’s position as a hub of space innovation.
