NSO and NXTGEN High-tech join forces to boost laser satellite communications
Incentivised by the Dutch Space Policy, the NSO has been committed to the development of promising satellite communications for ten years. Recently, the Netherlands decided to invest 42 million euros from the National Growth Fund through the European Space Agency in the development of laser satellite communication technology.
Today, 20 February, NSO director Harm van de Wetering and Monika Hoekstra, director of the NXTGEN Hightech foundation, signed a partnership agreement on exactly how this investment will be deployed. With the aim of effectively making use of ongoing developments and making use of ESA's expertise.
Today, NSO director Harm van de Wetering and Monika Hoekstra, director of the NXTGEN Hightech Foundation signed a cooperation agreement to develop technology for laser satellite communication.
Laser satellite communication is one of the six domains for which the NXTGEN foundation was allocated money from the National Growth Fund. With the funding, the Netherlands will increase its expertise and further strengthen its leading position, the cooperation agreement states.
The Netherlands is focusing heavily on developing technology for laser satellite communication. Besides the 42 million from the growth fund, the Netherlands also invests over 30 million euros from the national space policy. All these Dutch investments go through the NSO and eventually end up in European programmes, led by the European Space Agency ESA.
Netherlands leading
Over ten companies and institutions, including TNO, NLR, Airbus Netherlands, FSO, AAC Hyperion and Viasat are involved in the development of laser satellite technology. From 2025, they will deliver products that will enable communication through laser light between satellites and ground stations, from satellite to satellite, and between satellites and moving vehicles, such as aircraft and ships.
NSO director Harm van de Wetering expects that laser satellite technology will develop rapidly in the coming years. 'The need for fast and safe communication both on Earth and in space will only increase in the near future. Dutch companies and institutes have unique knowledge and experience to make an important contribution to this. It is great that the economic opportunities of this development have been appreciated and are now getting an extra boost from the National Growth Fund. With this bundling of investments and expertise, it will be possible to play a leading role worldwide.'
The investments in laser satellite communication directly contribute to the main goals of the NXTGEN HighTech programme: solving societal challenges as well as boosting Dutch earning power, says Monika Hoekstra, managing director of the NXTGEN HighTech Foundation. 'We are working on a strong national ecosystem that matches the international top. We do this by participating in the ESA programme, among other things. Besides the extra push from NSO, affiliated parties also benefit from the further relevant knowledge built up within NXTGEN HighTech. For instance, in the field of optomechatronics within the semiconductors domain, or smart manufacturing. This cooperation is a win-win for everyone!'
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