We are celebrating today the inauguration of the Norman and Hellen Asher space research institute. I want to thank the Robert Asher and Maureen Schonbeck for their generosity and vision and their recognition of the vital importance of space research to the Technion, to Israel and to mankind.
Space is a frontier of science of the 21 century. For the first time, we have the ability to venture out of earth and explore and utilize the space around us. Space research allows us to better understand earth, help us monitor its health, and protect it. Space research also allows us to explore the solar system, our galaxy, and better understand the opportunities and also the perils that lie ahead. One hundred years ago the creation of the world was a question that lies in the domain of religious beliefs and a matter of speculation. Today, we monitor with great precision the cosmic microwave background radiation which is nothing but ancient light emitted in the big bang. The fiat lux, or ויהי אור of the book of genesis.
Our times are golden times of space research, astronomy and astrophysics precisely because we are now beginning to learn how to master and control space. A new space technology is developing in our times to benefit humanity and enrich our knowledge. This new space technology already has profound effects on our daily lives: Thanks to GPS, finding a remote address in a backward ally in Calcutta is not a big deal anymore. We know our location on earth thanks to communication we receive cores of GPS satellites tens of thousands of km in space whose position is accurately monitored. Twenty years ago such a system would be considered a fantasy. GPS is an example of the tremendous practical benefits that come from space research.
One of the exciting projects of the Norman and Helen Asher space institute was the Techsat. Students at the Technion were given the opportunity to design and build a small, smart and frugal research satellite that was eventually launched and performed superbly in space, exceeding all expectations. The project was masterfully conducted by Prof. G. Shaviv of Physics and bought prestige to the Asher space institute and the Technion.
Thanks to the generosity of Robert Ahser and Maureen Schonbeck the Technion can offer its students the opportunity to participate in the exciting Odyssey to space.
I am confident that the Norman and Helen Asher space institute will continue to generate new and exciting initiative in space research and I want to thank Robert Asher and Maureen Schonbeck once again for their generosity and vision.
