First Woman Appointed to Lead the Israel Space Agency

Dr. Shimrit Tirosh Maman has been appointed chair of the Israel Space Agency, becoming the first woman to hold the position. Tirosh-Maman, a 45-year-old space researcher, heads the Remote Sensing Lab at Ben-Gurion University in Be’er Sheva. She succeeds Prof. Dan Blumberg, also of Ben-Gurion University, who held the position since 2022.

Among her responsibilities as chair of the ISA, Tirosh-Maman will advise the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology on national space funding policy, prepare strategic work plans for the agency, set budget priorities for space-related activities, guide scientific and commercial space-related development, and accelerate and advance infrastructure partnerships in the space sector and promote international cooperation.

Previously, Maman headed the Israeli office of the United Nations’ UN-SPIDER program, which promotes the use of space-based information for disaster and emergency management. She represented Israel on the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), led initiatives to advance the participation of women and girls in the space sector—including the international She Space program—and was elected vice-chair of the Earth Observations Committee of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) in 2024.

“I’m honored and excited by this appointment, and I thank Minister Gila Gamliel for her trust and for the meaningful opportunity to lead the Israel Space Agency,” Maman told the Davidson Institute. “It’s a privilege to take part in advancing a field in which Israel excels and makes a genuine impact.”

When asked about the challenges she expects to face in the role, Maman said:
“Every era comes with its own challenges, and today we are facing significant ones. The spirits of Ilan, Rona, and Asaf Ramon resonate especially strongly at this moment—reminding me that space is a dream borne with great responsibility, and just how meaningful this mission truly is.”

A historical appointment

Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology Gila Gamliel, who appointed Maman, called the decision “a historic appointment that marks a breakthrough for the space sector in Israel.”
“Dr. Maman brings both scientific leadership and technological innovation,” Gamliel said. “I am confident she will lead the agency to new achievements and help strengthen Israel’s international standing as a space power.”

Gamliel also expressed her gratitude to outgoing chair Prof. Dan Blumberg, saying, “Prof. Blumberg led the Israel Space Agency to outstanding achievements and positioned it as a central player on the international stage. I thank him for his dedication and professionalism throughout his tenure.”

Maman is the fourth person to lead the agency, following Prof. Yuval Ne’eman, who served from its founding in 1983 until 2005, Prof. Isaac Ben-Israel (2005–2022), and most recently, Prof. Dan Blumberg (2022–2024). Her appointment is for a three-year term.