Israel achieved a milestone in space and science education on March 12 as nine small research satellites built by high school students were launched into orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, Israel’s Channel 14 reported.

According to the Israel Space Agency, this marks the largest single batch of Israeli satellites ever launched into low earth orbit and marks an improvement by the country to become a global leader in the space race. 

The launch represents the culmination of the "Tevel 2" project, a collaboration between the Israel Space Agency, the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Tel Aviv University, and nine local authorities.

“This research will contribute to understanding the impact of radiation on astronaut health and the functioning of satellite systems,” Meir Ariel, head of the Space Engineering Center at Tel Aviv University, told local media regarding the satellites' primary scientific mission to measure cosmic radiation in Earth's orbit.

Among the achievements is the launch of the first Druze satellite in history, constructed by students at the Yirka School.

The project has also established satellite communication stations in four municipalities – Herzliya, Yeruham, Givat Shmuel, and Shaar Negev – enabling students to communicate with the satellites and analyse the data they transmit.

Beyond their scientific purpose, the satellites carry a commemorative function. The Shaar Negev satellite will transmit telemetry signals containing the names of victims from the October 7 attacks and the Iron Swords War, which will be displayed on the Israel Space Agency website.

The satellites are expected to remain operational for approximately three years, providing scientific data while inspiring future generations of Israeli space researchers and engineers.

This initiative represents a significant step in strengthening Israel's position in space innovation, particularly by integrating students from socially and geographically peripheral communities.

Israel satellite sector including becoming the eighth nation to launch its own satellite is a notable achievement, Israel's space programme is now poised to expand its reach and lead the region, coming up against regional rival Iran, which has its own satellites launched by Russia.