Space Technology

Defence and Security

25 January 2021

The Netherlands launches its first military nanosatellite

According to the current planning, Virgin Orbit will launch the first Dutch military nanosatellite to orbit with its upcoming launch mid-March. This satellite is an experimental project which has been set up in a unique collaboration in commission of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF). With this launch the Dutch Ministry of Defense (MoD) takes its first steps into the Space domain.

Norwegian-Dutch research mission for radar signals
Defence and Security

21 April 2020

Norwegian-Dutch research mission for radar signals

The Netherlands and Norway are developing two intelligence nanosatellites that will orbit the Earth in tandem formation. This is a bilateral research mission to investigate the sources of radar signals.

Integration of satellite antennas into small sized UAVs
Space Technology

10 October 2019

Beamforming antennas

Beamforming antennas (also known as phased-array or beamsteering antennas) utilize a series of antenna elements that allow the antenna bundle to be controlled electronically instead of mechanically. This allows signals to be emitted in or received from the correct direction. This is an important advantage for non-fixed systems such as aircraft and satellites. In addition, the radiation diagram can be adjusted so that the antenna sends or receives in one or more directions or that it receives more information or emits more energy in one specific direction than another. Because they are controlled electronically, beam-forming antennas are less vulnerable and do not require mechanical maintenance.

ESA Galileo constellation
Space Technology

01 October 2019

Satellite navigation for vital infrastructure and business opportunities

Galileo, the European satellite navigation system, provides greater accuracy in determining time and position than GPS by making use of the latest technologies and signals. Positions can be determined to an accuracy of within one metre. Every point on the Earth’s surface is covered by at least four and at most eight satellites. This civilian navigation system is available for governmental authorities, companies and the general public. It provides better support for the vital infrastructure in the Netherlands. In addition, it provides opportunities for unmanned systems such as autonomous driving, sailing and flying using e.g. drones.

ESA Galileo satellite system
Space Technology

21 June 2019

Shaping the future of small satellites

In a new era with many small satellites swarming around the Earth these constellations need to be safe, efficient and reliable. In April 2019, Hyperion and the Royal NLR signed an MoU for a collaboration. Both companies aim for future solutions in the area of small satellites.

Space Technology

19 September 2018

Taking thermal control to new heights

When Johannes van Es, Senior R&D Manager, talks about working on thermal control at NLR, it soon becomes clear that he operates in a unique environment. Thermal control is increasingly becoming a significant discipline in any situation where electronics are subjected to a challenging environment like space, engines or factories. It allows the computers and sensors in satellites, for example, to keep functioning at an optimum temperature. To do this correctly, Van Es has to combine a MacGyver-like technical insight with entrepreneurial goggles for business opportunities – and a healthy dose of dry humour. But it works, and the approach and contribution of Van Es and his team to the long legacy of thermal control at NLR have resulted in a leadership position that extends even into space.

Space Technology

14 December 2017

NLR essential link in Tropomi data processing

Tropomi was launched on 13 October 2017 on the European satellite Sentinel-5P, built by the European Space Agency (ESA) as part of the European Commission's Copernicus Earth Observation programme. The Tropomi instrument makes it possible to measure air quality on Earth with great accuracy, so the instrument equipped with Dutch technology is very valuable for a targeted approach to tackling global air pollution. NLR comprehensively tested the processing of the data that Tropomi sends back to Earth every day. The clients of Tropomi are the ESA and the Netherlands Space Office (NSO). From design to launch the entire satellite cost approximately 220 million euro, of which the Netherlands paid roughly half.