Laboratory for Developing a Nano-Satellite with a Miniature Atomic Clock Inaugurated
An advanced laboratory for studying and developing a nano-satellite was recently inaugurated at the Ashdod Campus. In the laboratory, the SCE-SAT-1 satellite will be developed in collaboration with leading Israeli companies in the aerospace industry. A miniature atomic clock by AccuBeat, a company from Jerusalem considered a global leader in accurate time and frequency solutions, will be integrated into the satellite developed at the laboratory.
Students from the “Satellites and Space” specialization track in the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department at Ashdod Campus will test the performance of the miniature atomic clock in space for AccuBeat, enabling its future integration into operational satellites. To note, no atomic clock this small that can be used in space currently exists, making the project a scientific and technological breakthrough. The innovative laboratory contains a clean room, where students build and develop the nano-satellite.
Members of the department staff, lecturers, guests from the industry and members of SCE’s management attended the laboratory’s inauguration ceremony. The event opened with congratulations from the college rector and founder, Prof. Yehuda Hadad; the head of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Dr. Irit Juwiler; and the nano-satellite project manager, Mr. Ori Onn. The ceremony featured some fascinating lectures – including a lecture by the General Director of the Israel Space Agency, Mr. Uri Oron, on “The Aerospace Industry as a Driver and Engine of Economic Growth”; a lecture by the CEO and Chief Engineer of AccuBeat, Mr. Benny Levy, on “World’s Most Accurate Atomic Clock on the JUICE Mission to Jupiter’s Moons”; as well as a lecture by the Chairman and Founder of SpacePharma, Mr. Yossi Yamin, on “Developing Innovative Medication Using Nano-Satellites”.
“You’ve made the right choice”
The future is in satellites and space”, said Oron, “It’s no longer a matter of ‘need’, it’s a must.” Being one of the twelve countries with the knowledge required to develop, launch, and operate satellites had made it possible for Israel to intercept missiles in space during the attack from Iran, he added. At the end of his lecture, Oron addressed the Students in the Satellites and Space track at the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and told them: “You’ve made the right choice.”
Dr. Juwiler said: “This project to build and launch a nano-satellite is unique, intriguing, and interesting, and is a cause of much excitement. I wish our students luck in fulfilling this goal, while enjoying themselves and acquiring knowledge”. Once the ribbon was cut, ceremony participants were treated to the first tour of the laboratory.
The project, as said, was established and is managed by Mr. Ori Onn, an Orbital Satellite Systems lecturer, with the help and accompaniment of Dr. Juwiler. The purpose of the “Satellites and Space” track, launched at SCE 5 years ago, is to grant young engineers the knowledge and methodologies required for work in the aerospace industry – a global engine of growth. The aerospace industry – both in the defense and civil sectors – is developed in Israel, as well, and there is a shortage of young engineers.
The SCE college of engineering emphasizes collaborations with companies in the Aerospace industry to provide students with practical experience with work in a business environment, and possibilities for future employment in this prestigious industry. Over the past 5 years, the “Satellites and Space” specialization track grew from 5 students to about 60 students. Additionally, courses have been added to this specialization track.
