The sky is the limit – Israel on Sunday will sign a cooperation agreement with European Space Agency ESA.
According to the agreement, the two will collaborate on various fields of space science, including astronomy, astrophysics, solar system research, space and satellite engineering, environmental pollution monitoring and meteorology.
In addition, they will conduct joint research on natural disasters and hold space experiments in zero gravity conditions, as well as biological and medical research and space applications for urban planning and surveillance.
"The agreement with the ESA shows that Israel is considered a leading power in the field of space research," Science and Technology Minister Daniel Hershkowitz told Yedioth Ahronoth.
"The framework agreement will promote projects that serve a mutual interest, such as scientist exchange and information exchange, joint conferences and cooperation between research institutions," he added.
Ahead of the official signing ceremony, a group of prominent scientists will arrive in Israel on Saturday. The delegation will include ESA Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain and ESA Director of Science and Robotic Exploration Prof. David Southwood. The two are scheduled to speak at the 6th Ilan Ramon International Space Conference in Herzliya's Fisher Institute.
"This is a significant opportunity for Israel and Israeli high-tech companies. It is the second largest scientific research body after NASA," said Head of the Israel Space Agency (isa) Zvi Kaplan.