Israel's space sector is soaring to new heights with an inspiring announcement that promises to unlock unprecedented opportunities for innovation and scientific discovery. ImageSat International, a pioneering Israeli space technology company, has revealed that the Access to Space consortium will establish and operate Israel's first national research and development space laboratory—a transformative initiative that will democratize access to space experimentation for researchers and entrepreneurs across the country.

This exciting collaboration brings together some of Israel's brightest minds and most respected institutions. The consortium is led by Creation Space, an innovative Israeli space company, and includes academic powerhouses like the Technion (Israel Institute of Technology) and Ben-Gurion University. Together, they will receive approximately 16 million USD in government support, including around 10.5 million USD in direct grants from the Israel Space Agency at the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology and the Israel Innovation Authority.

What makes this development particularly thrilling is its mission to open doors for a new generation of space innovators. The laboratory will provide Israeli startups and academic institutions with the remarkable opportunity to conduct technological demonstrations in actual space conditions—something that has traditionally been accessible only to large, well-funded organizations. Experimental payloads will be launched aboard satellites supplied, integrated, launched, and operated by ImageSat International, which brings decades of expertise to the table.

Beyond simply providing launch opportunities, the laboratory will serve as a comprehensive support ecosystem for space entrepreneurs. It will offer vital test infrastructures, professional engineering services, and regulatory guidance—essentially removing many of the barriers that have historically prevented smaller players from pursuing their space ambitions. This holistic approach ensures that brilliant ideas won't be held back by technical or bureaucratic obstacles.

Noam Segal, CEO of ImageSat International, expressed his pride in being part of this nation-building endeavor. His company's extensive experience in delivering complete satellite solutions—from initial design and development through integration, launch, and ongoing mission operations—makes ISI an ideal partner for establishing the professional infrastructure this ambitious laboratory requires.

The implications of this initiative extend far beyond Israel's borders. By nurturing homegrown space technology and providing practical testing opportunities, the laboratory will help maintain Israel's competitive edge in the global space economy while potentially creating partnerships with other nations seeking similar capabilities.

This project represents more than just technological advancement—it's an investment in human curiosity, scientific progress, and the entrepreneurial spirit. Students, researchers, and innovators who once could only dream of testing their ideas in space will soon have that opportunity within reach. The laboratory will undoubtedly catalyze breakthroughs in satellite technology, space communications, Earth observation, and countless other fields we haven't yet imagined.

As Israel prepares to launch this groundbreaking facility, the nation reaffirms its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible and ensuring that the next generation of space pioneers has the tools they need to turn their visions into reality.