Florida Couple Pledges $1 Million for Pico-Satellite Development at BGU’s Homeland Security Institute
Florida Couple Pledges $1 Million for Pico-Satellite Development at BGU’s Homeland Security Institute
June 6, 2012
Press Releases, Robotics & High-Tech
BOCA RATON, June 6, 2012 –American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Americans for Ben-Gurion University) has received a $1 million pledge from an anonymous Boca Raton couple to support the pico-satellite program of the Homeland Security Institute at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU).
The $1 million contribution will enable BGU scientists to expand Israel’s space research and security program through the development of BGUSAT. This program will culminate in an actual launch of two pico-satellites carrying imaging, communication and GPS technologies.
BGU is a major partner in the effort to increase Israel’s access to space and boost its “eyes in the sky.” Important findings will be gained through this research — from the design and production of the satellites and the development of the new technologies to be carried by them, to the factors surrounding their launch, and their role in space and in the defense of Israel. In addition, it will position Israel’s abilities to play a role in homeland security’s growing international market by exporting its innovative technology to the U.S. and other allies.
“BGU’s Homeland Security Institute, the only one of its kind in Israel and only one of a few in the world, is researching and developing technologies to protect Israel from attacks originating on land, at sea or from the sky,” explains Doron Krakow, executive vice president of Americans for Ben-Gurion University. “This very generous donation will provide significant resources for the BGUSAT program and momentum for BGU’s Homeland Security Institute.”
In addition to satellite development, innovative research is being conducted at the Institute to safeguard Israel’s “virtual environment” with a focus on cyber security and telecommunications. Other applications being developed include driverless jeeps that patrol borders; small helicopters equipped with imaging equipment that can take off and land on a moving vehicle; robots for search and rescue missions; and high-resolution scanning and sensing technologies that make it easier to identify targets. The Institute also provides trauma training and disaster simulation programs, as well as disaster response workshops.
The Homeland Security Institute expects to produce applied research that will reach beyond the walls of academia to defend Israel and keep its citizens and friends around the world safe.
ABOUT AMERICANS FOR BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY
By supporting a world-class academic institution that not only nurtures the Negev, but also shares its expertise locally and globally, Americans for Ben-Gurion University engages a community of Americans who are committed to improving the world. David Ben-Gurion envisioned that Israel’s future would be forged in the Negev. The cutting-edge research carried out at Ben-Gurion University drives that vision by sustaining a desert Silicon Valley, with the “Stanford of the Negev” at its center. The Americans for Ben-Gurion University movement supports a 21st century unifying vision for Israel by rallying around BGU’s remarkable work and role as an apolitical beacon of light in the Negev desert.
About Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev embraces the endless potential we have as individuals and as a commonality to adapt and to thrive in changing environments. Inspired by our location in the desert, we aim to discover, to create, and to develop solutions to dynamic challenges, to pose questions that have yet to be asked, and to push beyond the boundaries of the commonly accepted and possible.
We are proud to be a central force for inclusion, diversity and innovation in Israel, and we strive to extend the Negev’s potential and our entrepreneurial spirit throughout the world. For example, the multi-disciplinary School for Sustainability and Climate Change at BGU leverages over 50 years of expertise on living and thriving in the desert into scalable solutions for people everywhere.
BGU at a glance:
20,000 students | 800 senior faculty | 3 campuses | 6 faculties: humanities & social sciences, health sciences, engineering sciences, natural sciences, business & management, and desert research.
For all press inquiries, please contact:
James Fattal, J Cubed Communications
516.289.1496
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