Space Technology

Space Technology

18 September 2026

Booklet: Overview space capabilities

Royal NLR works closely with industry and government to design satellites, payloads and launchers systems, as well as subsystems, such as thermal control systems, electronics and antennas. We also invest in state-of-the-art facilities to accelerate our research and develop new space capabilities by leveraging our expertise in aerospace-qualified lightweight composite structures, multi-metal additive manufacturing, and the effective use of Earth observation and satellite navigation data for both civil and military applications.

04 March 2026

Clearing the skies: why space debris demands action now

As the number of satellites in orbit grows, so does the challenge of keeping space safe and sustainable. What was once a vast and largely empty domain is rapidly becoming congested with hazardous debris. Without coordinated action, the very infrastructure that underpins modern society is at risk. The growing debris problem requires collective efforts — including the Zero Debris Charter — aimed at securing the future of space.

Ariane 62 and 64 European launch systems.
Platform System Design

25 February 2026

R&D case: Wind tunnel modelling for Europe's Ariane 6 launch system

The development of the Ariane 6 launcher was geared towards creating a reliable, flexible, and competitive European launch system. NLR played an important role in this endeavour by providing wind tunnel models at various development stages.

10 February 2026

NLR People: Rik Bosma, Achieving space ambitions through united efforts

In the series ‘NLR People’, we show you who the experts at the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre are, what drives them, and what they are working on behind the scenes. In this episode: Rik Bosma, R&D Engineer and programme leader for NLR’s knowledge programme Space for Defence and Society.