A project of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Tel Aviv University and nine local authorities across the country Five in the Jewish sector, three in the Arab sector andThe first Druze satellite
Israel recorded an unprecedented achievement in the field of space and science education this morning (Sat): A constellation of nine tiny satellites was launched into space from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California – this is the largest Israeli constellation of satellites ever launched into space. The nine tiny research satellites, measuring 10x10x11.3 cm, were designed and built by high school students from across the country, and were launched into space into a low polar orbit at an altitude of 500 kilometers aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 launcher as part of the Transporter 13 launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
Tevel 2 is a joint venture of the Israel Space Agency, the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Tel Aviv University and nine local authorities across Israel. The satellites were built under the management and guidance of the Faculty of Engineering at Tel Aviv University, at research and development centers in nine municipalities across the country, with a unique combination of populations: five municipalities from the Jewish sector (Yeruham, Shaar Hanegev, Ma'ale Adumim, Givat Shmuel and Herzliya), three from the Arab sector (Ein Mahal, Taibeh and Kafr Qara) and one from the Druze sector (Yarka).
The satellites were launched as a cluster, but over time they are expected to disperse randomly in their orbits, thereby accurately and with high resolution mapping the cosmic radiation map at every point above the Earth's surface. Another experiment will examine the effect of radiation on the satellite's electronic components. The data will be interpreted by the students under the guidance of researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Sorek Institute for Nuclear Research, which developed the space radiation sensors.
The "Tevel 2" project combines scientific innovation with a groundbreaking educational-social vision. The NIS 10.5 million project, initiated, led and funded by the Israel Space Agency in the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, connects different communities in Israeli society and promotes equal opportunities in scientific-technological education while combining scientific innovation with educational and social goals.
It should be noted that a major part of the research is dedicated to operating a special program to promote scientific education and strengthen the social periphery. The satellites were built by outstanding high school students, who joined the program in the 14th grade and are graduating from the 12th grade this year.
Brigadier General (Res.) Uri Oron, Director of the Israel Space Agency"The Tevel 2 project is a testament to the power of Israeli innovation. We see here a winning combination of scientific excellence, technological education, and connecting populations. These satellites will not only provide vital scientific information, but also inspire the next generation of Israeli space scientists."
The satellites, built in dedicated clean rooms set up in nine municipalities across the country, carry an important scientific mission, as explained by Prof. Meir Ariel, Head of the Space Engineering Center at the Faculty of Engineering at Tel Aviv University"The satellite constellation is designed to measure cosmic radiation in orbit. Cosmic radiation consists of highly energetic particles (mainly protons) that come from our sun but also as a result of events that occur in the depths of the universe, such as supernova explosions. Flora and fauna on Earth are relatively protected from radiation thanks to the Earth's magnetic field and the atmosphere, but in space this radiation has a dangerous effect on the health of astronauts in spacecraft and also on the functioning of electronic systems on satellites."
In each of the municipalities, the university built a clean room, while satellite communication stations connected to the station at Tel Aviv University were established in Herzliya, Yeruham, Givat Shmuel, and Shaar Negev - and they will allow students to receive data from the satellites and control them.
One of the goals of the program is to promote science education in the periphery and provide equal opportunity for students from the periphery to take part in a national project – and excel in it. This is a key part of the vision of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, the Israel Space Agency and Tel Aviv University, who are committed to Israeli society and work to reduce social gaps and provide equal opportunities through a variety of affirmative action programs and large-scale community programs.
Commemoration and remembrance of those who perished in the October 7th disaster and in the war
In addition to their scientific mission, the names of those killed and fallen in the project from October 7 to December 2024 will be immortalized through a telemetry signal that the satellites will transmit into space, in which the names of the fallen will be burned and broadcast randomly throughout their period of activity in space. The telemetry received from the satellite of the students of M.A. Shaar Negev High School will be displayed on the Israel Space Agency website, where it will be possible to view the names of the fallen.
As a reminder, the head of the Shaar Hanegev Regional Council, the late Ofir Libstein, was killed in an exchange of fire with terrorists on Saturday, October 7, 2023, when he went out to defend the settlement during the terrorist attack, and the Shaar Hanegev M.A. students who participated in the project were evacuated from their homes for many months.
The satellites will remain in orbit for approximately three years, during which time they will provide vital scientific data and serve as a source of inspiration for the next generation of Israeli space scientists and engineers.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Gila Gamliel: "The Tevel 2 project symbolizes the pinnacle of Israeli innovation in the combination of scientific and technological education. This is a particularly exciting moment for me, to see young men and women from all walks of Israeli society working together, turning a dream into reality, and creating history in space. What these talented students have managed to achieve is nothing short of amazing – they have built the largest Israeli satellite constellation ever launched! I am especially proud of the first Druze satellite in history, and the exciting commemorative mission of the Shaar Negev satellite. Our significant investment in this venture is not just an investment in technology – it is an investment in you, the next generation of Israel's space scientists and future engineers."
More of the topic in Hayadan:
