Israel's stars aiming for the new high ground

摘要

It may be aiming for the stars but Israeli aerospace company Rafael keeps a low profile when it comes to Aurora - a small satellite airborne launcher concept derived from the hypersonic Black Sparrow ballistic target missile used in the defence industry. But, if financed, the system could re-shape Israel's future space efforts by offering a homespun launcher for the constellations of micro and possibly nano- satellites under study today. Journalist Alexandre Szames spoke exlusively to Jacob Toren, chairman of Rafael Armament Development Authority, and discovered that the proposal is built on a solid base. Rafael Armament Develoment Authority was founded in 1948 as Israel's National Research & Development (R&D) Defense Center within the Ministry of Defense (MoD) and initially focused on missile technology. Rafael subsequently became a major advanced defence systems developer for every branch of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). "In 2002, Rafael was incorporated as a governement-owned company maintaining its technological state-of-the-art capabilities through extensive R&D programmes," explain company officials. "[We have] been involved in Israel's space programme since its inception, mainly as a key subsystems provider," clarifies Toren.