The Israeli Space Week, the central national event for promoting the space sector in Israel, will be held for the 13th year, during the last week of January 2026. Throughout the week, dozens of conferences and performances, unique technology exhibitions, and interactive content for the whole family will take place across the country. Space Week serves as a central meeting point for Israeli space endeavors, connecting industry, research, government, education, and culture, making the achievements of the global and Israeli space industry accessible to the general public.
Space Week marks the peak of the local space industry, attracting senior figures from the international industry, astronauts, researchers, and entrepreneurs to Israel. The week is held close to the anniversary of the Columbia shuttle disaster, reflecting the development of the Israeli space industry and its ongoing commitment to endeavors and international cooperation.
Space Week 2026 is led by the Israel Space Agency in the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, and the Rakia Mission – H.A.L.C., in coordination with all space entities in Israel, academia, research institutes, industry, and cultural centers in Israel. The event marks an impressive milestone at the end of two years of complex national challenges, and it signifies Israel’s significant position in the international space exploration arena.
Between January 25-29, Israel will host an unprecedented series of events bringing to the country senior figures from the global space industry, NASA, and representatives of international space agencies, including Amit Kataria (Global Senior at NASA), Jeffrey Manber (Voyager Technologies), Tom Shelley (Vast).
Led by Israeli astronaut Eitan Stibbe and in coordination with the Astronauts Association (ASE) management, 8 international astronauts will arrive this year, including the Association’s CEO – Canadian astronaut Julie Payette, and two members of Eitan’s Ax-1 mission crew – Mike Lopez-Alegria from the US and Mark Patti from Canada.
Among the prominent participating astronauts who will strengthen Israel’s international ties and deepen collaborations with industry and academia are: Charlie Bolden from the US (former NASA Administrator), Randy Bresnik from the US (active NASA astronaut), Dr. Andre Kuipers (Netherlands), Professor Dr. Garrett Reisman (USA), Dr. Sian “Leo” Proctor (USA).
The flagship event of the week is the 21st Ilan Ramon International Space Conference, held in partnership between the Israel Space Agency in the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, and the Rakia Mission – H.A.L.C. The conference brings together the Israeli space community with astronauts, senior figures, and leading speakers from around the world, serving as Israel’s central professional platform for dialogue on the future of space, global collaborations, and human capital development in the industry. This year, the conference will focus on human spaceflight, addressing topics such as training the next generation, commercial space stations, and the Artemis missions and the human return to the Moon.
Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology Gila Gamliel: “Israeli Space Week 2026 is a statement of strength and resilience. The fact that senior figures from the global space industry and an unprecedented selection of astronauts choose to come to Israel attests to the centrality of Israeli technology and the international trust in the power of the local industry. The space industry is not only an economic growth engine and vital for our security; it is our bridge to the future. I invite the entire public to look up at the sky and be filled with Israeli pride.”
Astronaut Eitan Stibbe: “Space is the common heritage for the benefit of all humanity, and an astronaut is an envoy of humanity – as agreed in the UN Outer Space Treaty. Indeed, fruitful cooperation between countries and people from all over the Earth takes place in space, and this is a prerequisite for success. During Israeli Space Week, we will emphasize the importance and potential of Israeli participation in international ventures, and for this purpose, representatives of industries, the president of the International Space University, and astronauts from around the world will arrive. Special events will be held to open opportunities in research, technology, and education, and to encourage personal meetings and introductions. We are very excited about the first time Space Week is coordinated and organized by the Rakia Mission team.”
Among the main highlight events:
Sunday to Thursday, 25-29.1 | Across the country – Space fairs for the whole family including performances, exhibitions, and free interactive activities. Among the focal points: The central event at Planetanya – Netanya Planetarium, Madatech Haifa, The Bloomfield Science Museum in Jerusalem, Ofakim Science Center, and Solaris Observatory in Iksal.
Sunday, 25.1 | Tel Aviv – Closed event for senior figures in the Israeli space industry: CEO and key personnel discussion, as part of the Israeli Space Forum, to discuss challenges and strategic action directions for the coming years.
Sunday, 25.1 | Eretz Israel Museum (Moi), Tel Aviv) – Open cultural event for the public: “A Look at Space” – A multidisciplinary creative evening with the participation of leading artists and creators (Yaniv Biton, Avishag Shar Yeshuv, Tamari’s Project, and more), examining the concept of space through stage, musical, and visual interpretations.
Sunday to Thursday, 25-29.1 | Across the country – An enriching astronomical experience combining science, hands-on activities, and activities for children and youth at 15 observatories and space centers nationwide.
Monday, 26.1 | Jerusalem – Opening of the “Beyond the Horizon” exhibition at the Bloomfield Science Museum in Jerusalem. The exhibition is open to the general public, alongside an opening event and a VIP event with the participation of senior figures from around the world.
Tuesday, 27.1 | Tel Aviv – An exclusive investor event by prior invitation , during which Israeli space startups and companies will present their activities and innovations to an international judging panel of astronauts and senior space industry figures.
Wednesday, 28.1 | Tel Aviv University – The 21st Ilan Ramon International Space Conference: The week’s flagship professional event, with the participation of astronauts, senior figures, researchers, and speakers from around the world, with an emphasis on human spaceflight and international collaborations.
Wednesday, 28.1 | Air Force House, Herzliya – The 14th Rona Ramon Space Education Conference, which serves as the annual meeting for the Israeli space educators community and connects science, technology, values, and inspiration.
Thursday, 29.1 | Tel Aviv – International Space University Alumni Event with the participation of the University President and Chancellor, Israeli astronaut Eitan Stibbe, senior figures from the global space sector, and Israeli and international alumni.
In addition, throughout the week, lectures and open meetings with astronauts and international guests will be held at universities and academic institutions across the country.
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