Space Technology

Space Technology

19 September 2022

How to keep it cool

In the efforts to identify the impact of human activities on the global climate, space technology and satellites have proved immensely valuable for monitoring the planet and collecting data. But what if the same technologies that keep satellites up and running could help to reduce CO2 emissions at more down-to-earth level too? A cooling technology that was developed at NLR could help reduce the energy needs of the very data centres that are processing the data from the satellites themselves (among other applications).

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).

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 satellites, and their system engineers, cool.

Operations of the European Robotic Arm on the International Space Station
Space Technology

22 July 2021

Properly prepared for space

The Russian rocket has been launched successfully from Baikonur Cosmodrome on 21 July. The cargo, which includes the European Robotic Arm, is underway to the international space station, ISS. After many years of postponements, the Mission Preparation and Training Equipment that NLR developed will then finally have proved its worth.

CFRP Vinci Thrust Frame - composite
Construction and Manufacturing

12 July 2021

R&D case: CFRP Vinci thrust frame for the Ariane 6 launcher

Optimising the engine thrust frame of the Ariane 6 launcher. The Ariane 6 Launcher will enter a very competitive commercial launcher market. New entrants to this market have reduced the launch price per unit mass payload by half (50%). Compared to Ariane 5 the production costs of the Ariane 6 launcher should be reduced by at least 50%.

ESA Galileo satellite system
Defence and Security

09 March 2021

More space in the Defence Department’s future

By 2035, the Dutch Ministry of Defence needs to be a smart and technologically advanced organisation that takes action based on the best information. Not only on land and sea and in the air: according to the new Defence Vision, threats are also affecting the cyber and space domains. Michel Keuning, on behalf of SpaceNed, and Peter Huis in ’t Veld of NIDV are pleased with this move by the Defence Department and see an important role in it for the Dutch commercial sector.