Breaking barriers: Israel to send first female astronaut into space

Israel’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Gila Gamliel announced on Monday that Israel will send its first female astronaut into space in cooperation with the United States Space Agency, NASA. 

"We received approval from NASA to send the first Israeli female astronaut into space," Gamliel stated at the annual Ramon Conference in Tel Aviv. The minister did not reveal when the candidate would be picked and eventually launched into space. 

The Ramon Conference is named after Ilan Ramon, a former Israeli fighter pilot and Israel’s first astronaut who was tragically killed onboard the Columbia space shuttle disaster in February 2003. 

Israeli President Isaac Herzog addressed Israel’s upcoming space mission plan during a visit in New York where he delivered a speech at the United Nations concerning the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. 

"We are currently living in an exciting period in space exploration, in which humanity is discovering new ways to utilize space technologies. Not only to explore the stars, but also to promote global health, stability and prosperity on Earth," Herzog said. 

He stressed that tiny Israel plays an important role in the global space field. 

"Israel, despite being a small country, stands at the global forefront of the space field and serves as a significant factor in leading international space programs. We are already promoting cooperation with countries that have signed the Abraham Accords, and I am confident that in the near future we will see additional cooperation, which will contribute to both Israel and the international space community," Herzog assessed.

"Our leadership in advancing innovation in the field is extremely important to Israel's security, economic and scientific future and should be given top priority," he continued.

During a visit to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in September 2024, Gamliel revealed that "supporting the training of the first Israeli female astronaut in NASA's prestigious program will not only advance the field of space exploration, but will also constitute a significant investment in the future of Israeli science and technology. This milestone will serve as an inspiration for future generations and emphasize the importance of gender equality in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics." 

At the time, she also addressed the legacy of the late astronaut Ramon. 

"This training will continue the legacy of the late Ilan Ramon. Now, more than ever, it is essential to foster growth engines for the Israeli economy and society," Gamliel remarked. 

During her visit in Houston, the Israeli minister met with senior NASA officials and discussed ways to increase space cooperation between the United States and Israel. 

In February 2022, Eytan Stibbe made history by becoming the Jewish state’s second astronaut to be sent into space onboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon vehicle. Like his predecessor Ramon, Stibbe is a retired Israeli Air Force pilot. 

In 2021, Israel and the United Arab Emirates signed a historic agreement concerning space cooperation and moon landing. 

At the time, Shimon Sarid, CEO of SpaceIL, praised the cooperation and emphasized that Israel and the UAE offered complimentary capabilities. 

“If we combine the capabilities of the Israeli side and the Emirati side we can do a very interesting and successful mission,” Sarid assessed.