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Nine miniature satellites developed by Israeli high school students were successfully launched into space on Saturday as part of the Tevel 2 project.
The satellites, designed and constructed by students from various regions of Israel, entered low Earth orbit at approximately 500 kilometers after being launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from the US Space Force Base in California.
Among the satellites, one was developed by Druze students, marking a significant milestone as the first of its kind.
The launch coincided with a visit by a delegation of Syrian Druze sheikhs to Israel, further highlighting the involvement of diverse communities in the project.
The Tevel 2 initiative, with a budget of NIS 10.5 million, was spearheaded by Israel’s Innovation, Science, and Technology Ministry in collaboration with Tel Aviv University and nine local authorities.
The project includes the establishment of satellite communication stations, allowing students to monitor mission data and oversee operations, reinforcing Israel’s commitment to technological education.
Brigadier General (res.) Uri Oron, director of the Israel Space Agency, emphasized the project’s significance in fostering scientific and educational advancements.
“The Tevel 2 project is a testament to the power of Israeli innovation,” Oron said. “We are witnessing a winning combination of scientific excellence, technological education, and societal integration. These satellites will not only provide crucial scientific data but also serve as an inspiration for the next generation of Israeli space scientists.”
Scientific and Commemorative Missions
Beyond scientific research, each satellite carries a commemorative mission in memory of the fallen from October 7 and the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
As part of this tribute, the satellites will transmit a telemetry signal with the names of the fallen, which will be displayed on the Israel Space Agency’s website.
Professor Meir Ariel, head of the Center for Space Engineering at Tel Aviv University’s Faculty of Engineering, explained the research objectives behind the satellite constellation.
“The satellites are designed to measure cosmic radiation in orbit,” Ariel stated. “Cosmic radiation consists of highly energetic particles (mainly protons) originating from the sun as well as deep-space events like supernova explosions.”
“While Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere provide protection, in space, radiation poses significant risks to astronauts‘ health and affects electronic systems in satellites.”
Empowering Future Engineers
Innovation, Science, and Technology Minister Gila Gamliel highlighted the project’s role in fostering the next generation of Israeli scientists and engineers.
“This is an especially emotional moment for me – to see young men and women from all sectors of Israeli society working together, turning a dream into reality, and making history in space,” Gamliel said.
She expressed pride in the initiative’s accomplishments, particularly the first-ever Druze satellite and the commemorative Sha’ar HaNegev satellite.
“Our investment in this project is not just an investment in technology – it is an investment in you, the next generation of Israeli space scientists and future engineers,” she concluded.
The Tevel 2 satellites are expected to operate for approximately three years. The project stands as a symbol of Israel’s dedication to scientific advancement, technological education, and bridging social gaps through innovation.