Space Technology

Responsive collaborative small satellite constellations for dedicated applications
Defence and Security

25 August 2023

REACTS selected for funding by EDF

The European Defence Fund (EDF) has recently declared that the consortium known as REACTS – Responsive European Architecture for Space- is set to receive funding in the Space category. This financial allocation will empower REACTS to establish a Resilient Network of Responsive Space System (RSS) Capabilities dedicated to enhancing European Defence. Following the second call for […]
Defence and Security

03 January 2023

Norwegian-Dutch nanosatellites successfully launched

Two Norwegian-Dutch nanosatellites were successfully launched today. “Birkeland” and “Huygens” were placed in orbit around the earth by the company SpaceX. MilSpace2 is a cooperation project between the Netherlands Ministry of Defence, the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific […]
Tropomi measurement of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the atmosphere above the Netherlands.
Space Technology

01 October 2022

Blog: The Netherlands loses battle for space

5 years ago on 13 October 2017, climate satellite instrument Tropomi was launched – a great day for the Netherlands and crucial for global climate research. The instrument, which maps the entire Earth’s atmosphere every day, was the icing on the cake for a progressive and innovative Dutch space policy. We led the way in […]
ESA Galileo constellation
Construction and Manufacturing

03 May 2022

NSO awards €500k for research into manufacturing of satellite propellant tanks

In close collaboration with the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), the Netherlands Space Office (NSO) challenges entrepreneurs to develop space applications. Their products must contribute to the ESA programs. Dawn Aerospace has been awarded €500k for this through the phased innovation competition ‘Small Business Innovation Research’ (SBIR). NSO, the Netherlands Space Office, has […]
Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the ISS
Space Technology

02 March 2022

R&D case: Cooling system for satellite electronics (IMPACTA)

IMPACTA: An innovative cooling system for satellite electronics The challenge The Objective of IMPACTA is to create an innovative thermal control solution for Active Antennas that are a building block of next generation telecom satellites in Europe. This will as a consequence, solve the thermal control needs of future space missions of telecommunication. The developed […]
Ariane 62 and 64 European launch systems.
Platform System Design

14 February 2022

R&D case: Wind tunnel modelling for the Ariane 6 launch system

Wind tunnel modelling for Europe’s development of the sixth generation launcher The challenge The overall objective of the development of the Ariane 6 launcher is to create a reliable, flexible and competitive European launch system. Flexibility comes in the form of a launch configuration adjustable for smaller or larger payload or lower or higher delivery […]
Thermal Control System (TCS) for CubeSats
Space Technology

11 February 2022

R&D case: Mini multi-parallel micro pump development

Mini multi parallel micro pump development The challenge Development, production and launch costs for CubeSats are very low compared to conventional satellites. This has sparked interests from industry to develop their own CubeSats. The drive for volume and mass optimisation from the industry has led to miniaturisation of electronics in CubeSats. To keep costs down, […]
NLR micro-pump: from idea to product
Space Technology

11 February 2022

R&D case: Cubesat thermal modelling

CubeSat thermal modelling – Applying ESATAN-TMS for the cubesat industry The challenge With the increase in power density, thermal control measures are needed for CubeSats. This requires low-cost hardware and software solutions, which are currently hardly available. Miniaturisation and application of thermal control systems is being worked on, however evaluating design iterations is hindered by […]
Thermal Control System (TCS) for CubeSats
Space Technology

08 November 2021

Royal NLR and ISISPACE launch mission to keep CubeSats cool

From defence to telecommunications and Earth observation to space exploration, CubeSats have become a critical tool in expanding our horizons. But as the technical demands of the domain increase, power densities and subsequent temperatures are also on the rise. To help keep these temps in check, NLR and ISISpace have joined forces to keep these […]