Rendering of an ImageSat International RUNNER remote sensing satellite. Photo: ISI

The Israel Space Agency has tapped the Access to Space consortium to establish and operate Israel’s national R&D space laboratory for the accelerated development of space technologies. ImageSat International (ISI), a space-based intelligence solutions company, was part of the winning consortium, and one of the key companies behind the bid. ISI announced details of its win here, Jan. 6.

The consortium, led by Israeli space company Creation Space and joined by leading national academic institutions, including the Technion (Israel Institute of Technology) and Ben-Gurion University, will receive approximately $16 million in governmental participation, including around $10.5 million in grants, for the establishment and operation of the laboratory.​

The laboratory will enable Israeli startups and academic institutions to conduct technological demonstrations in space, including the launch of dedicated experimental payloads onboard satellites that will be supplied, integrated, launched, and operated by ISI.

“We are proud to be a significant part of the consortium selected to enable Israel’s space capabilities to grow and to further develop Israeli technological leadership in space. With extensive experience in delivering end-to-end satellite solutions — from design and development to integration, launch, and mission operations, ISI is uniquely positioned to provide the professional infrastructure required for such a national space laboratory, enabling Israel and additional nations to remain at the forefront of space technology,” Noam Segal, CEO of ISI, said in a statement.