National development programmes support the Dutch space sector and user community in space technology and research, as well as applications research for Earth observation, navigation and telecom. A specific user support programme (managed by NSO and SRON) to strengthen the user interests in space activities stimulates the development of space science, value-adding applications and operational use of Earth observation data. A national space technology programme (managed by NSO) supports the development of product–market combinations that have potential business opportunities in line with the Dutch priority areas in technology and product development.
The industrial and technological dimensions of Dutch space policy support the innovative power of the Dutch space sector. This strengthens the sector’s worldwide competitive position for both commercial and institutional space activities. Moreover, the policy stimulates cooperation at both a national and international level.
Dutch R&D programmes in the field of space technology are harmonised with the ESA Basic Technology Research Programme (TRP) and the ESA General Support Technology Programme (GSTP).
The allocation of the Dutch contribution to the optional programmes of ESA and the national budgets for technology and product development is based on defined priority areas.
These priority areas are:
- scientific and Earth observation instruments and components
- launch vehicle components and structures
- launch vehicle and satellite propulsion components
- solar arrays
