By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICHUpdated: JANUARY 28, 2019 12:33Nasa astronaut Karen Nyberg demonstrates how she washes her hair in zero gravity in outer space during a mission in 2013(photo credit: NASA,REUTERS)
Young Israeli researchers can now apply for an internship at the Ames Research Center in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley. Those selected will receive scholarships to participate in the development of scientific products and research in space, gain experience in space research and contribute their own knowledge.The program to send Israeli researchers to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA, is part of a broad agreement signed about a year ago with the Israel Space Agency, which is part of the Science and Technology Ministry. It is designed for students with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in space-related sciences who want to join as guest researchers at Ames.One of 10 NASA field centers and established in 1939, Ames has led NASA in conducting world-class research and development in aeronautics, exploration technology and science aligned with the center’s core capabilities.The internship program takes place in three semesters – summer, fall and spring – each 10 to 16 weeks long.Science and Technology Minister Ofir Akunis said on Monday: “Our cooperation with NASA allows our best young researchers to be exposed to the forefront of space research, gain experience and contribute their knowledge to advancing this field. When they return, the experience they will accumulate at NASA will serve them in promoting research and development in the field of space in Israel.”The projects include developing a robot that will navigate and experiment in space and sensors to monitor the health of astronauts. Another is to understand the role of water in the history of Mars.Candidates selected for the program will receive a stipend from the Space Agency for up to NIS 70,000 for a full 16-week fall or spring semester and up to NIS 45,000 for a 10-week summer semester. In this round, five candidates will be selected for the program among those who apply.For details or to submit an application, go to: link .