Breaking Orbit: BGU’s Dr. Shimrit Maman Appointed Head of the Israel Space Agency
Leading space scientist becomes the first woman appointed to lead the national agency for innovation and space exploration
Dr. Shimrit Tirosh Maman, a senior scientist at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and a prominent space researcher in the Department of Environmental, Geoinformatics and Urban Planning Sciences, has been appointed Chair of the Israel Space Agency at the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology. She is the first woman ever to hold this prestigious position, succeeding Prof. Dan Blumberg, Vice President for Regional and Industrial Development at BGU, who concluded a successful term.
“I am honored by the opportunity to lead the Israel Space Agency and to shape, together with partners in Israel and abroad, the next generation of Israeli space activity,” said Dr. Maman following the announcement of her appointment.
Dr. Maman brings with her over two decades of experience in space-based technologies. Over the years, she has led the United Nations’ regional office in Israel for space-based information for disaster management and emergency response (UN-SPIDER), and has represented Israel on the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). She also served as Vice Chair of the Earth Observations Committee at the International Astronautical Federation. Her leadership in the field includes pioneering initiatives to advance women in space sciences, notably the international "SheSpace" program, which was recognized for excellence by the International Astronautical Federation.
In recent years, Ben-Gurion University has invested significant resources in developing a strong knowledge base in space engineering and satellite research, recognizing the immense scientific challenges and potential in the field. One highlight of these efforts is the development of an Israeli nanosatellite in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries. As head of the BGU NASA affiliated Remote Sensing and Planetary Imaging Lab, Dr. Maman played a key role in BGU’s university-led space research team.
During the appointment ceremony, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Gila Gamliel praised the new chair: “I am confident that Dr. Tirosh Maman will lead the Israel Space Agency into a new era of scientific and technological breakthroughs, while strengthening Israel’s global standing as a space power.” The Minister also expressed her gratitude to Prof. Dan Blumberg for his pivotal role in advancing the Israeli space industry: “Prof. Blumberg led the Israel Space Agency to exceptional achievements and positioned it at the heart of the international stage. I thank him for his dedication and professionalism throughout his term.”
Operating under the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, the Israel Space Agency initiates, coordinates, and promotes Israel’s civilian space activities. It supports scientific research and development with strong economic potential, including the advancement of unique and innovative technologies—guided by the belief that space exploration contributes to Israel’s economy, strengthens its global stature, and improves quality of life through its applications in agriculture, communications, environmental monitoring, and academic research.
