WASHINGTON, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- NASA says it has signed an agreement with the Israel Space Agency recognizing the Israel Network for Lunar Science and Exploration as an affiliate partner.
"NASA looks forward to working with this distinguished Israeli organization to benefit from our shared expertise and advance our understanding of lunar science," said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. "We want to develop more of these partnerships to inspire students throughout the world to study science, technology, engineering and math."
NASA and Israeli space officials said the partnership will share technical and engineering expertise to advance the broad goals of lunar science at NASA's Lunar Science Institute at the Ames Research Center in California. The initial focus will be on laser communications, robotics, remote sensing and other technologies for future lunar missions.
"The Israel Space Agency is honored to be a part of the NASA Lunar Science Institute, with the hope of becoming an energetic and vital member," said Israel Space Agency Director Gen. Zvi Kaplan. "We are grateful to NASA for this outstanding opportunity to take part in this most important partnership."
