The collaboration begins at a time when the two universities have launched separate plans to build nanosatellites in the next five years
The Technion and the Singapore University of Technology (NTU) will collaborate on space exploration. The collaboration begins at a time when the two universities have launched separate plans to build nanosatellites over the next five years. NTU has a ten-year plan to build four nanosatellites under the university's VELOX program, while the Technion's nanosatellites are scheduled for launch in 2015 under the SAMSON project.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by the President of NTU, Professor Bertil Anderson, the President of the Technion, Professor Peretz Lavie, and the Vice President of the Technion for Research, Professor Oded Shmueli.
"The collaboration connects two established technological universities, whose goals in space and satellite research are similar," said Professor Anderson. "Both agreements will strengthen NTU's satellite program and establish its position as Singapore's leading university in satellite research."
"We at the Technion are happy for another collaboration with NTU, one of the leading technological universities in the world," said Professor Peretz Lavi. "The integration of the knowledge and skills of our institutions will ensure the high quality of the scientific-technological leadership in Singapore and Israel and its quality."
As part of the memorandum of understanding, Professor Low Kay Son, Chairman of the Center for Satellite Research at NTU, and Professor Ehud Bacher, Head of the "Asher" Institute for Space Research at the Technion, identified possible areas of research, including research on propulsion design for satellite control, structural flight of satellites and cameras with sensors -from afar. The results of the studies are expected to be integrated into the existing programs in the relevant field at both universities. In addition, programs will be established for exchange students, post-doctoral students and faculty members.
Both universities have established programs in space exploration. NTU launched the first satellite built in Singapore, X-SAT, in 2011, and the Technion launched the Gorvin-2 Texat microsatellite in 1998. NTU finished assembling two satellites - VELOX-P and - VELOX-PII in July 2012, which are part of the roadmap - A decade program within the VELOX program. It is also the only university in Singapore that has an undergraduate satellite program.
NTU already has collaborations with the Technion. One of them is a joint PhD program in materials engineering and biomedical engineering. NTU is also a major partner in the Technion's program in regenerative medicine in cardiac rehabilitation, which is designed to meet clinical needs in cardiac rehabilitation through tissue engineering.
In the photo - signing the agreement (from right to left): Professor Oded Shmueli, Technion Vice President for Research, Professor Peretz Lavi, Technion President and Professor Bertil Anderson, NTU President. Photo: Technion spokespeople.
