
Photo by Andy Hermawan on Unsplash
Over the past few years, the Israeli space tech industry has been steadily growing, and it’s not hard to see why. Since Israel’s first lunar lander crashed on the moon in April 2019, the country’s space industry has captured the attention of investors and entrepreneurs alike. Today, around 50 companies and academic institutions are in Israel’s space tech industry, according to Startup Nation Central consulting group.
In this article, we will take a closer look at nine of the most promising Israeli space tech startups, each making waves in their respective fields.
Space Pharma
Space Pharma, an Israeli spacetech company that focuses on carrying out medical research in microgravity environments, leads the way to a new frontier of medical research. Biological systems, including human cells, can be significantly impacted by weaker gravity than on Earth. Space Pharma aims to leverage this unique environment to develop new treatments and medications for various medical conditions.
Helios
Helios specializes in developing small and lightweight satellites that are affordable, accessible, and efficient. The company’s key innovations include using artificial intelligence and machine learning in its satellite systems, which enables its satellites to process and analyze data autonomously, making them more efficient and responsive than traditional satellites. Helios has also created a unique propulsion system that allows its satellites to move faster and more accurately than conventional systems. The company’s satellites have many applications, including Earth observation, remote sensing, and communications, making them ideal for missions that require real-time data or frequent updates.
CSpace
CSpace is a leading player in the space robotics and autonomous systems, focusing on developing autonomous systems for spacecraft using AI-based algorithms that make them more reliable and efficient. The company works on developing advanced propulsion systems to reduce the costs associated with space travel. It has also developed a range of robotic systems that can be deployed on spacecraft, including manipulators for collecting samples from extraterrestrial environments or performing maintenance tasks.
Ramon.space
Ramon.space specializes in developing advanced communication solutions for space missions. The company was established in 2016 and named after Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut who tragically died in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003. The space tech startup’s primary areas of expertise are advanced data communication solutions that enable high-speed data transfer between spacecraft and ground stations. This technology is essential for scientific missions that generate vast data, where quick data transfer is crucial for analysis and interpretation.
Brain.space
Brain.space provided astronaut Eytan Stibbe with an EEG monitoring helmet equipped with 460 “airbrushes” to measure brain activity during his trip to the International Space Station. The company aims to compare EEG data to investigate any differences in brain activity between Earth and space, as the microgravity environment may affect physiological indicators. This technology could lead to new insights and discoveries in understanding the impact of space on the brain.
StemRad
StemRad specializes in radiation protection solutions for astronauts and space missions. Their key product is a wearable radiation protection vest called AstroRad that shields vital organs such as the lungs and bone marrow. The vest can fit over an astronaut’s spacesuit and can be easily removed during spacewalks or other activities. The startup’s radiation protection technology has applications on Earth, including medical professionals working with radiation and nuclear power plant workers.
AccuBeat
AccuBeat specializes in high-precision timing solutions for space missions. The company’s technology is based on advanced atomic clocks that offer ultra-precise timing and frequency references for space-based systems. The atomic clocks use rubidium and hydrogen maser technology to achieve timing accuracy of up to one nanosecond per day, which is essential for various space applications, such as satellite navigation, communications, and Earth observation.
SpacePlasmatics
SpacePlasmatics specializes in developing plasma thrusters that are smaller than a finger. These micro thrusters produce plasma from the fuel and propel ions through an electric field to create thrust. These thrusters will help address the issue of space debris by allowing satellite operators to maneuver their satellites out of the way. Within two years, Space Plasmatics expects to demonstrate the product in orbit.
WeSpace Technologies
To round out our list of exciting new Israeli spacetech startups is WeSpace Technologies. Established in 2020 by a group of experienced software developers and engineers, the company specializes in creating innovative software for satellite missions. GroundStationPro is WeSpace Technologies’ primary software suite, providing extensive tools for satellite ground station operations, including satellite tracking, mission planning, and telemetry data processing.