Organisation

The greatest value of space lies in its applications on earth. Space is therefore vital infrastructure that everyone must be able to rely on daily. The Netherlands Space Agency encourages the use of space technology and satellite data by governments, research institutions, and businesses. The Stimulating Space Applications team connects (potential) end-users and developers of satellite applications, fostering collaboration to innovate around societal challenges. This leads to new applications that contribute to safety, mobility, communication, climate monitoring, and economic development. Freely accessible satellite data and targeted innovation programmes accelerate the development of these applications.

The Netherlands has a globally competitive space sector with unique technological expertise. The Strengthening the Space Sector team promotes the development of promising technologies with market potential, supports startups, and strengthens our national space ecosystem. By positioning this ecosystem internationally and participating in European programmes, we expand the global reach of Dutch companies and research institutions. In doing so, we contribute to sustainable economic growth and job creation.

The Netherlands Space Agency represents the Netherlands in space programmes and decision-making within ESA and the European Union, among others. The Institutional Programmes team ensures that Dutch knowledge, technology, and user needs are optimally integrated into scientific missions, Earth observation, navigation, and launch capacity. In doing so, we strengthen both the Dutch knowledge base and the societal benefits of space.

International collaboration in space is more important than ever, especially now that access to space and critical services are not always guaranteed. We position and represent the Netherlands as a reliable partner in international collaborations.
The International Cooperation team strengthens the positioning of NL Space, maintains bilateral contacts with other space agencies, and works with relevant (semi-)government partners. In doing so, we promote international cooperation and trade. We do this in close collaboration with the Strengthening the Space Sector and Communications & Education teams.

The Communications & Education team ensures the visibility of Dutch space activities through a strategic communication plan. We reach a broad audience, from the general public to policymakers and professionals. With our message, we strengthen support for the Netherlands’ space policy. Through corporate communication, media relations, and our presence at events, we contribute to the impact and sustainable growth of space in the Netherlands. Additionally, through the NL Space branding, we support the Dutch sector with international profiling. We also invest systematically and purposefully in talent development. We inspire students in primary and secondary education to pursue science, technology, and space through the educational activities of the ESERO programme, such as CanSat and Mission X.

The Business Operations team supports the other teams to ensure that we are an efficient, transparent, and future-proof organisation. We ensure solid operations in the areas of finance, administration, and archiving. Additionally, we are responsible for legal affairs, privacy (GDPR), digitisation, facilities, human resources, and IT. We manage and administer the space-related obligations transferred by clients, including the associated Financial Long-Term Overviews (FLTOs). Through careful record-keeping and reporting, we provide the Executive Team and clients with reliable management information and financial insights.