At a space conference on Jan. 28, defense and satellite industry leaders
agreed that Israel has developed sufficient niches to win a significant
portion of the $150-200 billion per year worldwide space and satellite
contracts. But they said the Israeli government must approve a major budget
increase for civilian space programs as well as liberalize exports.
"We can't do a lot with things that cost a lot of money," Ben-Yisrael
told the conference, sponsored by the Fisher Institute for Air and Space
Strategic Studies, said. "We can, however, have joint ventures with those
much larger than us."
Haim Eshed, head of the Defense Ministry's space directorate, said Israel
requires a $150 million budget for civilian space programs. Eshed, a retired
brigadier-general, said Israel must invest in technology that should
significantly reduce satellites and space launches.
"It's clear that we know how to cope with most of the technical problems,"
Eshed said. "Our advantage is that we know how to start a project and how to
end a project."
Industry executives and officials agreed that Israel must focus on the
development of micro-satellites, or platforms that weigh no more than 100
kilograms. They also cited the need to fire space-launch vehicles from the
air rather than the ground.
The Defense Ministry has already examined the feasibility of launching a
microsatellite from a U.S.-origin F-15 fighter-jet. The state-owned Rafael
Advanced Defense Systems was said to have conducted the lion's share of
research.
Rafael president Ilan Biran said the government must define its space
requirements, approve a budget and a timetable for projects. He said Israel
must also develop such fields as satellite wideband communications and
composite material.
Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries have maintained a joint venture
for microsatellite production and marketing. After four years, no major
contracts have been announced.
A key obstacle to space development, industry leaders, has been the
Defense Ministry's refusal to issue export licenses for components and
technology required for joint ventures with Europe and other regions.
Executives said government policy has discouraged Israeli participation in
major space forums, such as the European Space Agency.
"The Defense Ministry must change the policy of export permits," IAI
president Yitzhak Nissan said. "The policy must be much more open."
