The 21st International Space Conference, the flagship event of Israeli Space Week 2026, brought together yesterday a selection of astronauts from around the world, senior NASA officials, and hundreds of industry leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs. The conference, held in cooperation between the israel space Agency in the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology and the “Rakia” mission, focused on the changing landscape of manned spaceflight and the Israeli national vision. During the event, the Israeli Space Award was presented to Charles Bolden, former NASA Administrator, in recognition of his leadership and ongoing contribution to the local industry. Additionally, details of the strategic agreement with NASA for the next decade were presented, including the goal of launching the first Israeli astronaut and integrating Israeli technologies into the “Artemis” program for establishing a permanent presence on the Moon.
During her speech, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Gila Gamliel announced the establishment of the first national laboratory for space research and development in Mitzpe Ramon, which will be part of a “Space City” in the heart of the Negev. The laboratory, “Access to Space”, will be established in cooperation with the Israel Innovation Authority and the company Creation-Space with a funding of 60 million NIS, and will provide Israeli companies with subsidized access to space while reducing launch and experiment costs by 35% or more. Astronaut Eytan Stibbe emphasized in his remarks the importance of international cooperation and the opportunity to learn closely about humanity’s return to the Moon.
The incoming Chairman of the Israel Space Agency, Dr. Smadar Menachem, who delivered her inaugural speech in the role, addressed the heavy responsibility placed on the shoulders of the current generation of space researchers. Dr. Menachem emphasized that space is no longer a distant research field, but an integral part of the essential infrastructure of our lives on Earth – from communication and navigation to climate monitoring and national security. In her speech, Menachem set forth the vision for Israeli leadership based on the integration of artificial intelligence and quantum computing technologies into resilient and intelligent space systems. Dr. Menachem, the first woman to hold this position, concluded her remarks with an inspiring tone: “The future of space will not be built only in clean rooms and control centers; it will be built in classrooms, in startups, in research labs, and in the imagination of young people who have not yet decided who they will be. Our mission is to ensure that what we build today will continue to serve humanity tomorrow.”
The conference concluded with the commemoration of the anniversary of the Columbia Shuttle disaster, expressing a continued commitment to innovation and the education of the younger generation in the spirit of the legacy of Ilan Ramon, z”l.
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