Constellation of student-built satellites launched into orbit from California

Constellation of student-built satellites launched into orbit from California
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Mar 18, 2025

A record-setting constellation of nine nanosatellites, developed by Israeli high school students, has been successfully launched into low Earth orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology alongside Tel Aviv University and nine local municipalities, the mission marks the largest satellite formation ever deployed by Israel. Each nanosatellite, measuring just 10+ 10+ 11.3 cm, now orbits Earth at an altitude of 500 kilometers aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9.

Gila Gamliel, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, described the Tevel 2 initiative as a landmark achievement blending national innovation with educational outreach. "The Tevel 2 project symbolizes the pinnacle of Israeli innovation, combined with scientific and technological education. This is an especially emotional moment for me - to see young people from all sectors of Israeli society working together, transforming a dream into reality, and making history in space. What these talented students have accomplished is nothing short of amazing - they have built the largest Israeli satellite constellation ever launched! I am especially proud of the first-ever Druze satellite and the moving memorial mission of the Sha'ar HaNegev satellite. Our substantial investment in this initiative is not just an investment in technology - it is an investment in you, the next generation of Israeli space scientists and engineers."

The Tevel 2 program is a groundbreaking fusion of scientific exploration and social progress. With a budget of 10.5 million NIS provided by the Israel Space Agency, the project brings together diverse segments of Israeli society. It offers equal access to science and technology education while pursuing scientific goals.

Under the supervision of Tel Aviv University's Faculty of Engineering, high school students from nine municipalities constructed the satellites in specialized clean rooms. These municipalities represent a cross-section of Israel's demographic landscape, including five Jewish communities (Yeruham, Sha'ar HaNegev, Ma'ale Adumim, Givat Shmuel, and Herzliya), three Arab communities (Ein Mahil, Tayibe, and Kafr Qara), and one Druze community (Yarka).

Brigadier General (Res.) Uri Oron, Director General of the Israel Space Agency, noted the initiative's broader significance: "The Tevel 2 project is a testament to the power of Israeli innovation. We see here a winning combination of scientific excellence, technological education, and societal integration. These satellites will not only provide crucial scientific data; they will also serve as an inspiration for the next generation of Israeli space scientists."

The constellation's primary scientific objective is to measure cosmic radiation in space. Prof. Meir Ariel, Head of the Space Engineering Center at Tel Aviv University, elaborated: "The satellite constellation is designed to measure cosmic radiation in orbit. Cosmic radiation consists of high-energy particles (mainly protons) originating from the Sun, and events in the deep universe, such as supernova explosions. While life on Earth is relatively protected from this radiation by the planet's magnetic field and atmosphere, astronauts in space and electronic systems on satellites are exposed to this potentially harmful radiation."

Launched as a compact group, the nanosatellites will gradually spread along their orbital path, enabling them to chart a high-resolution map of cosmic radiation across the globe. Additionally, they will study radiation's impact on onboard electronics. Students will analyze this data with support from Tel Aviv University researchers and the Soreq Nuclear Research Center, which supplied the radiation sensors.

A key feature of the project is its focus on inclusivity and educational equity. The participating students, who began the program in 10th grade and are now in 12th grade, received hands-on experience in satellite development through R and D centers established in their municipalities. These centers, complete with clean room facilities, were complemented by satellite communication stations in Herzliya, Yeruham, Givat Shmuel, and Sha'ar HaNegev, all linked to Tel Aviv University for data relay and satellite control.

Promoting STEM education in Israel's peripheral regions is a central objective of Tevel 2. The project empowers students from underrepresented areas to engage in high-level scientific research and contribute meaningfully to a national endeavor. It reflects the shared commitment of the Ministry of Innovation, the Israel Space Agency, and Tel Aviv University to reduce social disparities through targeted educational initiatives.

Beyond scientific goals, the project incorporates a solemn tribute. The Sha'ar HaNegev satellite will transmit the names of Israeli civilians and soldiers who died between October 7, 2023, and December 2024. These names will be continuously broadcast and displayed on the Israel Space Agency's website. This tribute holds special resonance as Sha'ar HaNegev endured heavy losses in the October 7 attacks, including the death of Mayor Ophir Libstein while defending his community. The region's students, key contributors to this project, were displaced from their homes for months.

The satellites are expected to remain operational in orbit for approximately three years, providing critical scientific data and serving as enduring symbols of educational achievement and national unity.