Science and Applications Division

The Science and Applications division is responsible for the components “Science” and “Social or Economic Use” of the NSO long-term space programme.

Science

Dutch scientists have an outstanding position internationally within space research, especially within the fields of  astrophysics, Earth observation, and planetary research, given priority by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). The NSO represents the Netherlands in relevant programme advisory councils and commissions of the European Space Agency (ESA), such as:

• Science Programme Committee (SPC)
• Programme Board Human Spaceflight Microgravity and Exploration (PB-HME)
• Programme Board for Earth Observation (PB-EO)
• The International Relations Committee (IRC)

The NSO follows the science priorities above and provides the foundation of this process in the Netherlands space community, for universities and knowledge institutes as well as industry.

Beside ESA participation, the NSO cooperates with the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) to manage two national programmes:

• The User Support Programme Space Research (GO) in the areas of Earth observation, microgravity research and planetary exploration. GO offers support to Dutch researchers via (preparing for) use of infrastructure in space for excellent scientific research.

• The PI-Prepatory Programme (PIPP). The PIPP is intended for preparation of future Dutch ‘principal investigator’ (PI) roles within scientific space missions.

In order to inform and coordinate the Netherlands’ research field, the NSO is a part of many Dutch platforms and work groups like the ROAT for atmospheric science, the WRSLN for land-based applications of Earth observation, Light & Water for water-based applications of Earth observation, the NPP for planetary research and the DUC for microgravity research.

Applications

 
The operational use, or social and economic application of space has appropriately become the center of attention. Space applications is a field from which the Netherlands has not yet optimally benefited. The NSO provides recognition and care for Dutch interests in the area of operational data-usage within ESA Programmes. The Programme Boards for Earth Observation and Satellite Navigation as well as the Joint Board on Communications Satellite Programmes fall under this category. The NSO also gives advice for the Netherlands’ contribution to the global Group on Earth Observation (GEO) and the EUMETSAT-Council as well as EUMETSAT Scientific and Technical Group (STG) and Policy Advisory Committee (PAC).  Within the EU the NSO is responsible for the representation of the Netherlands in GMES and GNSS both within and outside the Seventh Framework Programme. (KP7 Space PC en GNSS PC) (GAC)

Alongside these international programmes, the NSO Works to create an innovation programme for satellite use. In close consultation with the space sector and the government, the NSO develops a Dutch vision and strategy for the promotion and progress of operational use including:

• Tracing and facilitating new users and usage possibilities;
• Promoting interaction between users and providers;
• Nurturing the flow from knowledge to application;
• Ensuring that satellite applications are considered an important component of the Netherlands’ space policy.

Just as in science the NSO is involved in various platforms and work groups that are relevant to operational use; for instance the GMES/GEO platform, ROAT, WRSLN and Light & Water.

Synergy

The NSO ensures harmony in ‘upstream’ activities (that make spaceflight possible) as well as ‘downstream’ activities (that are made possible by spaceflight) so that we understand and build a complete spaceflight story in the Netherlands.  Together the Science and Application division and Technology and Industry division provide supple collaboration of upstream and downstream components in spaceflight, and where possible with other sectors or technologies from outside the space field. Knowledge and technology transfer in the broadest sense are the foundation of such coalescence.