This English document was written on behalf of the top team HTSM (High Tech Systems and Materials). It elaborates on the significance of ESTEC for the Netherlands and makes recommendations on its positioning. ESTEC is the largest location of the European Space Agency and the technological heart of the European space sector.
ESTEC's considerable value for the Netherlands is not just economic. Due to the knowledge and experience present, the centre is also vitally important for our innovative ‘ecosystem’. Dutch knowledge institutions and companies within and outside the space sector can benefit considerably from this. The white paper states that this is enough reason to at least maintain investment in ESA programmes and even increase them where possible.
The white paper contains the following recommendations: