The Israel Space Agency will be helmed by a woman for the first time in its history, as Dr. Shimrit Maman has now been tapped to chair the organization's steering committee, the Innovation, Science, and Technology Ministry announced Tuesday.
Maman will replace her predecessor, Dr. Dan Blumberg, for a three-year term.
In this capacity, she will take the reins of directing the space policy of the Jewish state. This includes developing new programs and initiatives as well as fostering collaborations with other space agencies around the world.
She will also be able to advise the minister on funding, prepare work plans, determine budgets, and push forward the development of space-based infrastructure.
The appointment comes as Israel is becoming more focused on space technology than ever before, with many of the Jewish state's recent military accomplishments only being possible due to its technology in space. Israel is still coming off the heels of the successful launch of the Dror-1 satellite, which promises a much more reliable and hack-resistant means of communication.
It also comes following the use of Israel's satellite network being used in widescale space-based intelligence gathering, capturing tens of millions of square kilometers through day-night surveillance, producing over 12,000 satellite images of Iranian territory prior to and during Operation Rising Lion.
Another accomplishment made by Israel in this timeframe was becoming party to the first ever instance of space warfare in history when the Arrow air defense missile managed to intercept a Houthi ballistic missile in outer space.
A leader in Israel's space sector
The 45-year-old Maman boasts over two decades of experience in space technology.
She has led the Israel regional office of the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response and served as Israel's representative on the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).
Currently, Maman serves as the director of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev's Earth and Planetary Image Facility.
But most notable is her trailblazing role in fighting for women to be involved in space. This includes her leadership of SheSpace, an internationally lauded initiative to inspire and advocate for women attempting to enter the space sector.
"Dr. Shimrit Maman is a leading and respected scientist with a proven track record in promoting cross-sectoral and international collaborations; initiating and managing innovative space programs; and leading strategic engagement processes with a wide range of partners," said Innovation, Science, and Technology Minister Gila Gamliel in a statement, praising Maman's accomplishments in working on projects with public engagement and broad social impact.
"I am confident that she will lead the Israel Space Agency to a new era of scientific and technological breakthroughs and boost Israel's international standing as a space power."
Maman thanked Gamliel for the new opportunity.
"I am excited for the chance to lead the Israel Space Agency and shape, alongside partners in Israel and around the world, the next generation of Israeli space operations."