The two agencies will jointly develop a hyperselective satellite known as Shalom
The Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Israeli Space Agency in the Ministry of Science signed a memorandum of understanding for the joint development of a space-based Earth observation mission which will be called SHALOM, as part of the World Space Convention. The signing ceremony was hosted by the Italian ambassador in Israel during a multi-participant reception at his residence.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by the Director of the Israel Space Agency, Menachem Kidron, and the President of the Italian Space Agency, Roberto Battiston, in the presence of the Italian Ambassador to Israel, Francesco Tello, and the Chairman of the Israel Space Agency, Prof. Yitzhak Ben Israel. The purpose of the agreement is to strengthen the cooperation between the countries in the field of earth observations for civilian purposes. The SHALOM project is expected to be operational in 2021 using a satellite with a hyperspectral observation system for scientific and commercial purposes.
The "Shalom" project includes the development of a satellite with an advanced hyperspectral observation system, adjustments to the ground stations, the development of advanced capabilities for processing spectral information and the establishment of a mechanism for commercial marketing of the satellite services. Project tasks between Italian and Israeli industry.
"The Shalom project is another important step in the collaboration between the Italian and Israeli space agencies that illustrates the development of the field of earth observation applications," said Roberto Battiston, president of the Italian space agency, at the signing ceremony. "The use of space technologies is essential to improve and ensure several activities, such as environmental protection, disaster prevention and observations designed to support agriculture."
"The agreement is the result of hard work by Italian and Israeli professionals working as a joint team to provide an outstanding tool that opens a new dimension to Earth observation capabilities for humanity," said Menachem Kidron, Director of the Israel Space Agency. "This is a good opportunity to thank for the very fruitful cooperation we have with the Italian Space Agency."
In 2009, the two agencies signed an agreement for cooperation in space for peaceful purposes, which allows the countries to promote joint programs on the subject. In 2010, the initial implementation agreement for the SHALOM project was signed.
