NASA and the Israel Space Agency signed an agreement to participate in the project of the first Israeli spacecraft to the moon

As part of the agreement, a NASA laser reflector device will be installed on the spacecraft designed to help locate the exact position of the spacecraft on the ground after landing. NASA will allow SpaceIL to receive communication services with the spacecraft and positioning in deep space through a huge network of NASA antennas, which will help the spacecraft's communication with Earth

NASA and the Israel Space Agency at the Ministry of Science signed today, October 3, a new agreement under which NASA will participate in a mission of the SpaceIL association that is expected to launch the first Israeli spacecraft to the moon in the coming months. The agreement was signed today in Germany, during the World Space Conference (IAC) and on the occasion of World Space Week, which is celebrated in Israel in a variety of events.

As part of the agreement, a NASA laser reflector device will be installed on the spacecraft designed to help locate the exact position of the spacecraft on the ground after landing. NASA will allow SpaceIL to receive communication services with the spacecraft and positioning in deep space through a huge network of NASA antennas, which will help the spacecraft's communication with Earth.

Science Minister Ofir Akunis said that "the cooperation between Israel and the US is getting stronger in all areas, as is the relationship between NASA and the Israeli Space Agency. Israel is proud to be part of the renewed journey to the moon and promote our technological capabilities - everywhere.'

The agreement follows NASA chief Jim Bridenstine's recent visit to Israel in June, during which he signed a memorandum of understanding with the Israeli Space Agency to promote cooperation between the agencies and met with SpaceIl representatives. Bridenstine stated during his visit that by the year 2025, NASA will build a space station around the moon and many countries will be partners in the project.

Bridenstine said today about the new agreement that "I am happy to expand within the framework of the agreement that was signed the progress in the commercial activity in the vicinity of the moon. Innovative partnerships like these are essential as we move forward to return to the moon and create new opportunities there."

As part of the agreement signed today by the director of the Israel Space Agency at the Ministry of Science Avi Blasberger and the head of NASA Bridenstine, and in the presence of the director general of the SpaceIL association Dr. Ido Entavi, at the World Space Conference (IAC) in Germany, it was also agreed that NASA will receive access to the data which will provide the magnetometer device that is installed on the spacecraft. The device, developed in collaboration with the Weizmann Institute of Science, will measure the magnetic field at the spacecraft's landing site. Also, the Lunar Exploration Satellite (LRO) launched by NASA a decade ago and currently orbiting the moon, will attempt to photograph the Israeli spacecraft when it lands on the moon.

The CEO of the SpaceIL association, Dr. Ido Antavi, said today: "As a private venture that was born as a brave idea against all odds, it is a great honor for us that NASA considers us a worthy player in the deep space arena. We all hope that our spacecraft is only the first swallow and that there will be more space missions and technological challenges in the field. I believe that Israel has great development potential in the field of space, especially in light of the experience of the aerospace industry, as reflected in their partnership in the SpaceIL mission."