Government Supports Long-Term Space Agenda
The government announced today that it supports the long-term space agenda. This agenda is a vision for the future of Dutch policy in space. "In the past, we only had a vision for three years. Now, there is a plan for the next ten to fifteen years that the government supports. This is an important milestone and a historic moment," says NSO director Harm van de Wetering. "The government shows that space is essential for our security and independence, and that it also offers great opportunities for the Dutch economy and society."
Harm van de Wetering
© Nathan Reinds
Why is space so important for the Netherlands?
"The infrastructure of space is the backbone of our society. We often think about roads, bridges, and railways, but the infrastructure in space is just as important, even though we do not see it. Satellites make it possible for us to call, use the internet, and navigate. They help with accurate weather forecasts, monitor our dikes, and ensure safe banking. Our military also relies on satellite connections. Without realising it, we depend on space technology every day. That is why investing in space is not a luxury, but a necessity for a strong economy, our security, and a future-proof society."
"Where we previously only had a vision for three years, there is now a horizon for the next ten to fifteen years that the government supports. An important milestone and a historic moment."
The Long-Term Space Agenda
What advantages does a long-term vision for national space policy offer?
"Previously, the government gave direction to space policy every three years, based on the three-yearly ministers' conference of space organisation ESA, of which the Netherlands is a member. Three years is a relatively short period when you look at, for example, technology development or a topic like strategic autonomy. For that reason, a long-term vision is important. In the coming years, Europe will invest billions in its own space infrastructure. The Netherlands has the knowledge, innovative power, and entrepreneurial spirit to play a serious role in this. But to really count, we must not only watch but also invest in our own ambitions. We want and can think along, build, and earn together. This is only possible if you invest in your own ambitions and literally let them fly. The fact that we now have a vision for the future makes the Netherlands an important, loyal, reliable, and therefore interesting partner."
For the Dutch, no unimportant question: what will it cost?
"Every taxpayer in the Netherlands invests fifteen euros per year (!) in all that indispensable space infrastructure that we use here on Earth every day. Looking at the European average, this should be more than twice as much. The government has indicated in its response that it will consider the financial support that goes with these ambitions in the coming period."
"Investing in space is not a luxury, but necessary for a strong economy, our security, and a future-proof society."
The long-term space agenda was developed on the advice of the NSO. What role does the NSO play in the development of this agenda?
"We are ready to shape Dutch space ambitions with our knowledge and experience and to use this to turn this policy into effective programming of activities. The government already decided to treat the topic of space at the highest administrative level in all involved ministries. Today, this was further supported when the government indicated it wants to strengthen the position of the NSO to really implement the ambitions from politics. With NSO as a full-fledged government agency, the Netherlands can now join leading countries that have both a long-term vision and the strength to execute that vision."
"The government now endorses this long-term vision as a compass for our future and supports the ambitions that go with it."
Where do you expect priorities in Dutch space policy in the coming years?
"The long-term space agenda describes six missions that we as the Netherlands will focus on. These missions form an integral compass for politics. Security and autonomy are top priorities, you could say. But they can only be achieved if you also invest in technology, innovation, and science, because these themes are interconnected. In short, it comes down to this: our activities in space are indispensable for our society, our knowledge economy, and the security and autonomy of the Netherlands and Europe. The government now endorses this long-term vision as a compass for our future and supports the ambitions that go with it. I expect that the House of Representatives will also do this when they debate the long-term space agenda in early April."
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