Sky is no limit for Australia–Israel ties
'Israel has a proud space [industry] heritage of developing capabilities, and we’d certainly like to see more international partners coming to Australia to provide more services'
Israel’s journey into space began in the late 1980s “and since then, has emerged as a global leader in space technology and innovation”, said Israel trade commissioner to Australia, Ohad Blumberg.
He spoke in a webinar on August 21 called “Australia and Israel: Space and Technology Opportunities” presented by Australia in Space and the Israel Trade and Economic Commission in Sydney.
“Its success can be attributed to the unwavering commitment to excellence, and a determination to push the boundaries of what is possible,” Blumberg said.
“There are already some collaborations between Israelis and Australians around the ambitious, Israeli-led Beresheet 2 lunar expedition, and we would like to see many more.”
Israel Space Agency (ISA) director of business development Ortal Hazut said while Israel’s civilian space program only has about 50 companies and 10 startups, “many unique technological developments and very special creativity and innovation is being done by them”.
“Israel is only the eighth country to launch rockets into space and in the last two years, the ISA strategised its plans, developed a sustainable growth engine, and focused on international collaboration, research and development in space exploration, and education programs.”
Dr Tony Robinson, director of international and government engagement for the Australian Space Agency (ASA) – established just five years ago – said its key priority areas align with “current competitive advantages that Australia has, for example, in communications technologies, robotics and automation”.
“We also see the space sector as a driver of developing high-tech jobs and skills.
“Our Space Infrastructure Fund allowed us to establish a Space Operations Centre and an Australian Space Discovery Centre in Adelaide, and we’ve had some significant investments through our international partners.
“Israel has a proud space [industry] heritage of developing capabilities, and we’d certainly like to see more international partners coming to Australia to provide more services.”
Doron Zauer, co-founder of Israeli early stage venture capital firm Earth & Beyond Ventures, said, “The first characteristic of the ‘new’ space industry is an 18-fold reduction in launch costs, and use of satellites that are as small as 10-by-10cm.
“In 2010, there were about 40 of them in orbit, and these days, there are 2000.
“It means faster and cheaper private space technological development … and tangible benefits right here on Earth, from communications and weather observation, to next-generation uses in sustainability, high-tech manufacturing, medical research, data storage and cyber security.”
CEO of Momentick Daniel Kashmir spoke about how the Israeli startup uses micro satellites to monitor nitrogen and CO2 emissions.
Helios CEO Jonathan Geifman outlined the Israeli company’s goal of producing oxygen on the moon through a novel chemical process, and CEO of Israeli data imaging firm Noohra, Jimmy Levy, discussed an exciting new partnership with Perth-based Earth observation company LatConnect 60.
The webinar also promoted the inaugural, in-person, Indo-Pacific Space and Earth Conference, to be held in Perth on October 23 and 24, featuring more than 70 speakers from 12 countries, including Israel.
For more information, visit spaceandearthconference.com
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