Dutch space policy follows the European Space Policy (ESP). The ESP has been in force since 2007. The primary objective of the policy is to use space to solve societal issues and problems. This translates into a focus on implementing applications that make use of data obtained from space. One of the specific programmes put in place by the European Commission is GMES, Global Monitoring of Environment and Security. Space infrastructure and supporting terrestrial components is a major key element and as such is part of the priority.
The largest part of the Dutch space budget is used to fund ESA programmes. The Netherlands also participates in the programmes of the European meteorological organisation EUMETSAT. About 20% of the Dutch space budget is spent on national space research, technology projects and cooperative projects with other space agencies in Europe and beyond. In addition, the commercial market for Dutch products is important. In recent years, Dutch industry has been heavily involved in international and commercial space projects for which products such as solar arrays, glove¬boxes and remote-sensing instruments have been produced. Most of these instruments and components were originally developed in the framework of ESA programmes.
