NASA Adds Israeli Technical Expertise to Lunar Science Research at Ames

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Jan 27, 2010, 08:20 ET

WASHINGTON, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA and the Israel Space Agency have signed a joint statement that recognizes the Israel Network for Lunar Science and Exploration, or INLSE, as an affiliate partner with the NASA Lunar Science Institute at the agency's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, Calif.

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"NASA looks forward to working with this distinguished Israeli organization to benefit from our shared expertise and advance our understanding of lunar science," said agency Administrator Charles Bolden. "We want to develop more of these partnerships to inspire students throughout the world to study science, technology, engineering and math."

The INLSE will bring technical and engineering expertise to advance the broad goals of lunar science at the institute. The initial focus will be on laser communications, robotics, remote sensing and other technologies for future lunar missions. In addition, there will be a major emphasis on education and public outreach inspired by lunar science.

"I am very excited the INLSE has become an affiliate member of the NASA Lunar Science Institute," said Ames Director Pete Worden. "The considerable capabilities of the INLSE in science and related technology development will greatly extend our institute's reach."

"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 and for enabling the Israel Space Agency to contribute and share in this challenging human experience."

To learn more about the NASA Lunar Science Institute, visit:

http://lunarscience.nasa.gov

SOURCE NASA