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Space
The Israel Space Agency (ISA) was established in
1983 to support space-related research in areas such
as electronics, computers, electro-optics and imaging
techniques.
Israel is one of only eight countries in the world
to develop, produce and launch its own satellites.
In addition, Israel has developed powerful rockets
and initiated important space-related research projects.
Israeli scientists have participated in NASA projects
and both countries have benefited from cooperative
research.
Above:
Crew of the Shuttle Columbia.
When NASA launched the space shuttle Columbia on
January 16, 2003, the seven crewmembers.
on board included the first Israeli astronaut, Col.
Ilan Ramon. Ramon conducted several Israeli-designed
experiments during the sixteen day mission, including
the Mediterranean Israeli Dust Experiment, studying
desert dust as a crucial factor of global warming.
He took many photos over Israel using an Israeli camera
specially designed for the mission.
After a successful two-week mission, the Space Shuttle
Columbia tragically exploded over Texas during re-entry,
killing all the crew members. Despite this tragedy,
Israel and the United States intend to continue to
work together to expand the frontiers of science.
Above:
Ilan Ramon poses with "The Chemical Garden,"
an Israeli sponsored experiment flown in the SPACEHAB
Research Double Module aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia.
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